Each summer, while many children look forward to carefree days and popsicles, a growing number of elementary-aged students are stepping onto the storied campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), thanks to Camp HBCYouth.
Founded in 2022 by the HBCYouth Foundation, Inc., Camp HBCYouth is more than just a day camp, it’s a mission in motion. Designed to reflect the rich legacy and excellence of HBCUs, the program offers elementary-aged students an immersive summer experience grounded in academic enrichment, wellness, the arts, and leadership development.
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“We believe that early exposure to Historically Black Colleges and Universities can transform the trajectory of a child’s future,” a statement on the website reads.
And they don’t just say it, they live it. The camp is held directly on the campuses of HBCUs, bridging the gap between these storied institutions and the communities they were built to serve. This intentional choice does more than provide a beautiful backdrop; it instills familiarity and pride in academic spaces from a young age. For many of the campers, it’s the first time they’ve stepped foot on a college campus. For some, it’s the first time they’ve ever imagined themselves belonging there.
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“This moment means a lot. For the first time, @camphbcyouth is hosting our first ever all girls experience and there’s no better place than Spelman College to do it. From day one, these girls are stepping into sisterhood and soaking up the legacy around them. It’s more than summer fun—it’s an early start on the HBCU journey,” the organization captioned a photo of their recent Spelman College summer campers.
From Spelman to Clark Atlanta, and campuses across the country, Camp HBCYouth is intentionally curated to prevent the “summer slide,” the common learning loss that can occur when academic engagement dips during the break. Instead, campers dive into interactive lessons in STEM, literacy, art, and culture that make learning fun, meaningful, and culturally affirming.
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But the curriculum doesn’t stop at academics. Camp HBCYouth nurtures the whole child by embedding social-emotional development, leadership skills, and mentorship into every day. HBCU students and alumni serve as counselors and role models, offering campers a real-time glimpse into the future they can build for themselves.
“Our programming is grounded in cultural pride, mentorship, and community engagement—offering families not just a camp, but a trusted support system,” the company states.
In just a few years, Camp HBCYouth has become a vital resource for families seeking meaningful enrichment for their children. It’s also reinvesting in the community by providing leadership training, college and career readiness workshops, and mentorship for its camp staff. From resume building to career exploration, counselors gain just as much as they give, preparing for their own futures as they pour into the next generation.
At its core, Camp HBCYouth exists to cultivate pride and possibility. It proves that when Black children see themselves reflected in excellence, on the walls, in the classrooms, and in the people guiding them, they rise to meet the vision.
To learn more about Camp HBCYouth and enroll your scholar, click HERE.
Cover photo: Educational Summer Camp ‘HBCYouth’ Is Bringing the Next Generation to HBCU Campuses/Photo credit: Camp HBCYouth/Instagram