UNCF hosted From Promise to Prosperity at The Boston Foundation, bringing together leaders to discuss the urgent need for sustained investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and the students they serve. The conversation — moderated by The Boston Foundation President and CEO M. Lee Pelton — emphasized sharpening mission focus, strengthening institutions on their own terms, and expanding pathways to student opportunity.

During the discussion, UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building reflected on its upcoming 20th anniversary and the shared principles that have guided its work. Ed Smith-Lewis, Senior Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Programs, affirmed a phrase first shared by Benedict College President Roslyn Clark Artis. “As Dr. Artis has said, collaboration is the new form of domination,” he noted, underscoring the Institute’s network approach. “We are always focused on a network approach. If we do for one, how can we do for all?”

Benedict College President Roslyn Clark Artis highlighted why institutional stability is central to student success. “Financial stability leads to intellectual agility. When we are not worried about meeting payroll, we can be more strategic and innovative for our students.” She shared examples including expanding engineering programs, using AI to streamline operations so staff have more time with students, and allowing learners to help manage a portion of the endowment to gain real-world experience.

The event also spotlighted Project ACCLAIM, which gives HBCU students meaningful experience managing investment portfolios for academic credit, paired with curriculum, mentoring, and industry exposure. “Exposure changes trajectories,” said Phill Gross. “A great idea at one campus can become a great idea across dozens of institutions. That is the power of this network.” The initiative has already supported the launch of student-managed investment funds at Morehouse College and Howard University, with each institution receiving $4 million to begin managing capital and building experiential learning pathways. He noted the passion and talent emerging from HBCU campuses. “The passion these students have is as great or more than any you will see anywhere in the country.” The program is led at UNCF by Dr. Shawn Thomas, Director of Investment Leadership Programs, who is helping advance the initiative by engaging partners, expanding institutional participation, and strengthening the foundation for long-term success.

The conversation closed with a consistent message. Strategic investment in HBCUs delivers a high return on impact by strengthening institutions, preparing students for competitive careers, and expanding intergenerational economic mobility.