When public and private organizations develop partnerships, everyone benefits. Capital One has been dedicated to cultivating these essential relationships to strengthen and sustain Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the country.
In February 2022, Capital One joined forces with Delaware’s only HBCU to formally unveil the Delaware State University Riverfront facility. The facility — valued at $4.7 million and was donated by Capital One the prior year — is more than just a physical location; it’s a hub dedicated to cultivating communities.
With 35,000 square feet, 6 floors, and an open floor plan, this custom meeting space serves as a headquarters for the University’s School of Graduate, Adult, and Extended studies. And with a new partnership with the Teen Warehouse, the Riverfront facility also acts as a development center for small businesses with a focus on minority- and women-owned companies.
At the unveiling event, Capital One and Delaware State University also shared a few updates related to their partnership, including:
- An executive mentorship program to pair Capital One executives with University sophomores.
- $270K in grants provided by the Capital One Foundation for the University’s Career Services Experiential Learning program.
- Plans to deepen recruitment ties with the University to focus on connecting students to career pathways in business analysis, technology, and product development.
In attendance at the Riverfront ceremony were Delaware congressional delegates as well as civic leaders who highlighted the critical role that public-private partnerships have in strengthening HBCU infrastructure and expanding career pathways for HBCU graduates.
But it’s not all just about the one-to-one relationships between public and private organizations.
The whole educational landscape has a chance to benefit from these types of partnerships. Both Capital One and the University are strong advocates for the passage of the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act, bipartisan federal legislation that proposes to make historic federal investments in HBCUs and strengthen public-private partnerships to enhance and grow these institutions. The bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-D.E.) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), U.S. Representatives Alma Adams (D-N.C.) and French Hill (R-A.R.), and 175 other members of U.S. Congress.
Delaware State University President Tony Allen, who serves as Chair of President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, noted HBCUs are a central driver to propelling financial advancement for those from low-resourced backgrounds into the American middle class.
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This article was paid for by Capital One and created by HuffPost’s Branded Creative Team. HuffPost editorial staff did not participate in the creation of this content.