Wayne Lumbasi
Billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg is taking a significant step in education, creating a direct pathway from charter schools to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for Black students.
Through Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with City Fund and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Bloomberg is committing $20 million to establish public charter schools on HBCU campuses. The initiative blends the operational approach of charter schools with the academic and cultural heritage of HBCUs, providing students with an educational experience that spans middle school through college.
The first schools under this initiative have already started taking shape. I Dream Big Academy, located on the campus of Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, opened in August 2025, initially serving middle school grades with plans to expand each year. D.C. Wolfe Charter School, near Tuskegee University, is set to launch in 2026. These schools will offer students opportunities for early college-level coursework, dual enrollment, internships, and smoother transitions into HBCU programs.
HBCUs have long played a critical role in producing Black professionals who shape society across multiple fields. They are responsible for graduating a significant share of Black engineers, lawyers, doctors, and judges in the United States, providing generations of students with the skills, mentorship, and networks needed to excel in careers historically limited by systemic barriers. By integrating charter schools with HBCU campuses, this initiative builds on that legacy, aiming to expand access to these pathways earlier in students’ academic journeys.
This effort also builds on Bloomberg’s ongoing support for HBCUs. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies contributed $600 million to four HBCU medical schools, strengthening resources and training programs for Black students pursuing careers in healthcare. The charter-to-HBCU initiative aims to provide high-quality schooling options in underserved communities while creating a structured pathway to professional and academic success.
By situating schools on HBCU campuses, students gain early access to college-level resources within a culturally grounded environment. The program is designed to combine the heritage and influence of HBCUs with the flexibility and innovation of charter school models, offering a unique approach to educational advancement.
If the initiative achieves its goals, it could serve as a model nationwide, demonstrating how historic institutions and modern educational strategies can work together to create long-term opportunities for Black students. Michael Bloomberg’s charter school-to-HBCU pipeline represents a transformative experiment in education, shaping the future for a new generation of leaders.
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