Strengthening Our U.S. Commitment to Empower the Next Generation Through our Work with HBCUs
The HBCU Social Impact Leaders Program is providing transformative career development opportunities to students of Historically Black Colleges and Universities by bridging the knowledge gap in the field of sustainable and impact investing while contributing to local and global sustainability goals.
As a founding member of the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN), Shared Interest has a longstanding and enduring commitment to unlocking the power and potential of black youth entrepreneurs to be global catalysts of positive economic change in their communities and beyond.
Program
Goals:
Expand knowledge and awareness of Sustainable and Impact Investing as a “pathway to success”
Strengthen diversity within the ESG, SRI, and Impact Fund Management talent pipeline
Drive Theory into Practice through Sponsored Action Learning Projects
ABOUT THE HBCU SOCIAL IMPACT LEADERS PROJECT
To address the lack of resources on sustainable and impact investing available to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Shared Interest received seed funding from the Nasdaq Foundation, Bergman Family Foundation, and other partners to launch the HBCU Social Impact Leaders Program in 2023. The pilot engaged students and leaders from six HBCUs—Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Delaware State University, and Florida A&M University—offering culturally relevant information on ESG, socially responsible investing, and entrepreneurship in Black and economically disenfranchised communities in the US and Southern Africa. The pilot revealed that over 80% of students sought to balance financial returns with positive social and environmental outcomes.
This initiative is crucial for addressing the unique social barriers to economic mobility and fostering entrepreneurial resilience within the Black community. Conducted during Fall 2023, the project was carried out in collaboration with key leadership from each participating HBCU.
IMPACT TO DATE
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What students are saying
“This opportunity allowed me to further understand Southern African entrepreneurial and investing milieu, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). In the future...Investing in Black and economically disenfranchised communities is a major step for reducing socioeconomic disparities or promoting social equality because it empowers black entrepreneurs, farmers and microfinance institutions to creating sustainable solutions to address the region’s growing economic inequality and to achieve long-term growth and impact.”
Aniaba N'Guessan
Morehouse College - Class of 2025
OUR HBCU PARTNERS
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREAS:
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2024 NEW YORK COHORT
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2024 HBCU SOCIAL IMPACT LEADERS FORUM
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Features
NASDAQ FOUNDATION PARTNERS WITH SHARED INTEREST TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITIES FOR HBCU STUDENTS IN ESG, SRI, AND IMPACT INVESTING
March 29, 2023
South Africa to Spelman Glee Club: Shared Interest Voices of Change Concert
November 3, 2023
Atlanta, GA —The Shared Interest Voices of Change Concert was a remarkable celebration of talent and unity, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. Featuring the internationally acclaimed Ndlovu Youth Choir, the dynamic Atlanta Music Project, and the renowned Spelman College Glee Club. This unforgettable event, part of the twelfth episode of the Glee Culture series, showcased a harmonious blend of diverse cultural influences. The Ndlovu Youth Choir’s soul-stirring melodies, the Atlanta Music Project’s instrumental brilliance, and the Spelman College Glee Club’s vocal mastery created a symphony of sound that resonated deeply with the audience. View performance...
HBCU Social Impact Leaders Forum and Nasdaq Tour Exposes Students to Finance Careers, Social Impact Investing
June 19, 2024
New York, NY — A coalition of 22 students from five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be traveling to Times Square on June 20-21 to visit Nasdaq and meet with global finance and corporate executives as part of the HBCU Social Impact Leaders Forum, an initiative launched by Shared Interest, a New York-based nonprofit guarantee fund promoting global investment in communities of color.. Read more...
Shared Interest Rings the Closing Bell
June 21, 2024
New York, NY — Shared Interest, marked its 30th anniversary in grand style at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square. In a symbolic moment honoring decades of transformative impact, Ann McMikel, Executive Director of Shared Interest, rang the Nasdaq Closing Bell to spotlight the organization’s mission and achievements. As part of this initiative, Shared Interest has partnered with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to equip students with the tools, knowledge, and resources to drive change in their communities through global social impact investing and entrepreneurship. View video...
OUR PARTNERS
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The Bergman Family
Peggy Dulany
For more information about the HBCU Social Impact Leaders Project or to become a sponsor, contact info@sharedinterest.org.