HBCU
DELEGATION PROGRAM
Empowering Youth Through Education and Cultural Exploration
Founded in 2023, the HBCU Delegation Program is a collaborative initiative between the Renton School District’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) Program and FIGG Mentoring. This year-long mentorship program is dedicated to supporting historically underserved 10th and 11th-grade students, guiding them toward academic excellence and postsecondary success.
OUR MISSION
To help young people walk fully in their possibilities—unhindered by systemic, cultural, or financial barriers.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Mentorship: Students are paired with dedicated adult advisors and peer mentors—alumni from previous delegations—who provide guidance and support throughout the year.
Academic Commitment: Upon acceptance, students sign a commitment contract agreeing to maintain a minimum GPA and a 90% attendance rate.
Personalized Plans: Advisors assist students in creating individualized academic and personal success plans to meet program expectations.
THE IMPACT
In just two years, the HBCU Delegation Program has made a meaningful impact on students, helping them confront and overcome obstacles that often prevent students of color from reaching their full potential. Research indicates that nurturing both academic and non-cognitive skills equips students for long-term success in high school and beyond.
Key Components of the Program
Throughout the school year, delegates engage in culturally relevant college and career readiness programming, including:
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College and career exploration
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Self-advocacy and self-efficacy
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Goal setting and planning
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Leveraging social and cultural capital
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Time management
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Open discussions around identity, history, culture, and systemic barriers in education
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Building a strong sense of community
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Financial education
ANNUAL HBCU TOUR
Each program year culminates in a week-long tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in a selected region. This immersive experience allows students to envision themselves in higher education settings, fostering a deeper connection to their academic aspirations.
