Six HBCUs unite to create a convenient online program – eHBCU
Image Credit: RDNE Stock project (Pexels)
More than six million African Americans have attended college but never completed their degrees.
A new initiative, eHBCU, aims to change that by giving students nationwide access to online education from six historically Black colleges and universities.
eHBCU, which stands for Education, Equity, Elevation and Empowerment, was created to close the graduation gap and make finishing college attainable for Black students seeking higher education.
The program brings together Delaware State University, Alabama State University, Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, and the Southern University System—Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Southern University at New Orleans and Southern University at Shreveport—to form the nation’s first collaborative online platform dedicated to culturally relevant HBCU learning.
“The initiative expands access to future learners and gives students who may have had to pause their college journey a flexible path to continue in a nontraditional classroom setting,” said Executive Director Terry Jeffries, who has spent years developing online programs at Delaware State University.
Through eHBCU, students can pursue both degree and non-degree programs, all delivered asynchronously. Once applications are submitted, reviews typically take about 48 hours before applicants receive their next steps. Credits can be transferred from other institutions, and enrollment is open to high school graduates, adult learners and those seeking professional certifications rather than full degrees.
Unlike enrolling directly through a single university, eHBCU provides centralized support in addition to resources from its partner institutions. Its student engagement initiative, Meet Me at the E, is designed to build community among online learners who might otherwise feel disconnected from campus life.
Image Credit: Zen Chung (Pexels)
“This platform fills a critical gap in higher education,” Jeffries said. “Not every student can attend classes face-to-face at our partner universities. eHBCU creates a pathway for learners to complete their degrees without uprooting their lives.”
The program officially launched June 24, 2025, and made its public debut with an activation booth at the Essence Festival of Culture in early July. Co-founder Dr. D’Wayne Edwards greeted attendees and joined a panel discussion highlighting the platform’s mission and impact.
Enrollment for eHBCU runs every eight weeks, giving students multiple opportunities throughout the year to begin their studies. The consortium also plans to expand its offerings to include workforce development programs aimed at preparing Black students for an evolving job market.
Jeffries, who has worked with Delaware State University for seven years, previously served as assistant dean in the School of Graduate, Adult and Extended Studies, where she specialized in building and scaling online learning programs. Under her leadership, eHBCU is positioning HBCUs to compete in the rapidly growing online education space.
For those still considering the program, Jeffries encourages prospective students to stay connected. “If a student isn’t ready to start a degree or certification, we still want to hear from them,” she said. “Join our mailing list, attend an open house and let us stay in touch.”
Interest from other institutions has been strong since the program’s launch. eHBCU plans to host an information session this fall for HBCUs interested in joining the consortium, with new partnerships expected to be announced in the coming year.
When asked what she envisions for the future of eHBCU, Jeffries’ answer was simple: access.
“eHBCU provides students with another chance to earn their degree through a flexible, affordable and culturally grounded platform,” she said. “We’re giving people the opportunity to finish what they started.”
Students can apply for free and begin their journey toward completing a degree at eHBCU’s official website.
