Propel Center: A Hub for HBCU Students
Written By: Elainey Bass
Shirley Chisolm once said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” This holds true for HBCU students everywhere, especially in a work environment where their White peers are deemed more qualified and capable because of the color of their skin. Despite this, Black students still put their best foot forward, even if the future of their career is unknown. However, more programs and innovations have been chartered to diminish this barrier in the workplace, giving HBCU students a fair chance at success. One innovation that has been positively impacting HBCU students around the U.S. is the Propel Center.
The Propel Center was launched in 2021 and serves as a learning and innovation hub for HBCU students everywhere. At its initial launch, it was announced that this special center would be backed by Apple and Southern Company, both donating $25 million to the cause. Located in the heart of the Atlanta University Center (AUC), the center acquired funding from these companies simply because of its mission and willingness to help mold HBCU students into industry professionals ready to take on any field. Aside from the actual center, Propel has also developed online courses, an internship program, and other activations across many HBCU campuses.
Propel Learn is a platform that offers online courses for all HBCU students. These courses can range from production to coding, to even learning about artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Some of the courses are backed by Apple, giving students a more immersive experience than they would receive in a normal credit-hour class. These courses are free and run for about eight weeks. The courses are also taught by industry professionals who may serve as personal mentors for students throughout their matriculation. This platform aims to provide students with an in-depth look into their industry, whether it be entertainment, tech, or entrepreneurship.
The Propel Center also launched its inaugural cohort for its Arts and Entertainment Accelerator program in Atlanta, Georgia. This program gave students from many HBCUs the opportunity to learn under music industry professionals, gain lifelong mentors, and experience life behind the scenes of such a vast industry. Students were able to meet artists backstage at various concerts, meet with artist managers and labels, and even completed a capstone project at the end of their experience. Apple also provided the chosen students with MacBook Pros and other Apple products.
One student, Tyler Williamson, was a part of this program last summer, and to say it changed her life would be an understatement. “Propel was an intensive, detail-oriented, and immeasurable experience. Being a senior, it sometimes feels like your time has come and gone, as if it’s too late for any more opportunities, especially if you have yet to find your niche within your major. However, Propel accepted me and helped me maximize my experiences in such a short time. To be a part of Propel is more than being just a student in a cohort. It’s about reaching your wildest dreams.”
It’s truly amazing to see how companies like Apple and Southern Company are utilizing their expenses to help the future of many HBCU students. Not only does it give students a sense of motivation, but it also gives them the tools to enter into a work environment where they feel more than capable to take on any task. While the Propel Center is fairly new, they are sure to leave a lasting impression on HBCUs for years to come.
You can learn more about the Propel Center at https://propelcenter.org/