Co-Designing with HBCUs for the Future of Digital Learning Innovation
We’re partnering with HBCUs to better understand and widely share the “how” behind their innovative, culturally sustaining approach to student success—with a focus on the role of digital learning in powering Black academic excellence. Together, we’re co-designing a long-term strategy to disseminate the policies, perspectives, and practices that lead to effective digital learning infrastructure. At the center of this work are two related questions: how can the culture of HBCUs be translated into digital learning spaces, and if yes, what should that look like? Our vision is that these insights will support ongoing innovation at HBCUs while also enabling colleges and universities everywhere to build equitable learning experiences that center on the unique needs of every student they serve.
About the initiative
In brief
- Six HBCUs were selected to participate
- $2.5M in total funding and grants, with $1.5M going directly to participating HBCUs
- Focused on Digital Learning Infrastructure (“DLI”)—the ways technology is used to enhance the academic experience and improve student outcomes
- CCA and its initiative partners worked with the Gates Foundation to co-design a long-term strategy for surfacing and scaling innovations from HBCUs for the benefit of the postsecondary education sector.
Overview
Since their founding, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have proven that institutions built with Black learners at the center can lead to extraordinary results of students. According to UNCF, HBCU’s represent just 3 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S. but produce 20 percent of Black graduates. And they do this in the face of long odds, having to overcome systemic injustices that leave them with far fewer resources than non-HBCUs. Their success is a model for innovative, student-centered success that deserves broader recognition. We believe HBCUs should be a leading voice in building an equitable higher education system. It’s why we partnered with the Gates Foundation and a select group of HBCUs to co-design a long-term strategy for systems change. The HBCU Digital Learning Infrastructure Initiative is a first-of-its-kind partnership that seeks to understand and share the unique digital approach of HBCUs with colleges and universities across the country. This work examines the role of technology in creating learning environments where Black students succeed and find purpose, momentum, structure, and support on the journey to a degree—especially in a post-COVID-19 world where new modes of delivery are in high demand. A select cohort of institutions – alongside a team of advisors, subject matter experts, and partner organizations – examined the dynamics of academic and career success at HBCUs and the role technology can play in sustaining those dynamics in digital and hybrid learning contexts. We’re capturing the policies, perspectives, and practices that can be shared widely for the benefit of institutions and minoritized students everywhere.
Goals
Explore the unique approach behind HBCU success—and share our findings for the betterment of higher education everywhere.
Support the development of equitable digital learning infrastructure that meets the needs of minoritized learners in increasingly hybrid and online learning spaces.
Co-design a long-term strategy for driving Black academic success at HBCUs and colleges and universities throughout the country.
Elevate new models for innovations in the midst of resources constraints and rapid change, informed by the success and resilience of HBCUs.
Participating Institutions
Complete College America selected six institutions to take part in a first-of-its-kind Digital Learning Infrastructure (DLI) initiative. The institutions are: Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD; Langston University in Langston, OK; Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS; Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA; Wiley College in Marshall, TX; and Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, LA. Institutions were evaluated on a number of criteria, including track record of innovation, commitment to student success, and novel uses of technology to deliver exceptional learning and campus experiences.
These institutions – with the support of the advisory board – will collaborate on an extensive research and design project focused on building an integrated framework for digital learning at HBCUs.
Resources
Historically Black, Digitally Forward
asdfHistorically Black, Digitally Forward: Co-Designing Digital Learning Infrastructure for HBCUs captures the learning from the HBCU DLI initiative.
Historically Black, Digital Forward report examines the critical role of digital learning infrastructure at HBCUs and its impact on student success. The report details:
- How HBCUs provide a model for student success through focused support and community-building.
- Recommendations for implementing and expanding digital learning infrastructure at HBCUs.
- Opportunities for future research to further understand and improve digital learning at HBCUs and other institutions.
By prioritizing student involvement and voices, HBCUs can continue to provide culturally responsive, relevant, and identity-affirming education in the digital age.
The HBCU DLI Assessment Tool
Building on insights from the HBCU DLI taxonomy framework, the HBCU DLI Assessment Tool streamlines the assessment of an institution’s current digital infrastructure and highlights how to prioritize areas needing institutional investment and expansion.
The assessment tool was designed as part of the HBCU DLI initiative, but the tool can be used by an institution interested in further developing its digital learning supports and infrastructure.
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