By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Staff
BIRMINGHAM — Alabama will serve as the launchpad for a groundbreaking $20 million national initiative designed to strengthen partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and public charter schools. The effort—described by funders as a “first-of-its-kind nationwide initiative”—aims to establish new HBCU-affiliated charter schools and bolster existing collaborations across several Southern states where families are seeking stronger, more innovative educational options.
City Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies will each invest $10 million in the project, with UNCF coordinating the multi-state effort and ensuring HBCUs have the resources needed to play a central role.
New Schools for Alabama CEO Tyler Barnett said Alabama’s selection reflects growing demand from local families for new and effective school models. “What a game-changer for our students and our state,” Barnett said. “This fund will bring excellent K–12 instruction to communities that need it most. The positive impact of today’s announcement will reverberate for years.”
Two Alabama charter schools connected to the initiative are already in motion. I Dream Big, Tuscaloosa’s first charter school, opened in August in partnership with Stillman College and currently serves grades 6–8 as a lab school. Meanwhile, D.C. Wolfe Charter School in Macon County is set to open in 2026 as a conversion charter developed with Tuskegee University, serving students from pre-K through sixth grade.
Future partnerships may take a variety of forms depending on community needs and HBCU strengths. Models under consideration include charter schools located directly on HBCU campuses, dual-enrollment pathways, guaranteed admission pipelines, shared governance structures, and teaching fellowships that prepare HBCU students for careers in education.
City Fund CEO Marlon Marshall said the idea grew directly from community conversations. “We’re hearing from families and local leaders about the urgent demand for more high-quality public school options,” he said.
Bloomberg Philanthropies education lead Howard Wolfson said the effort intentionally blends “the proven success of HBCUs with the strong results of public charter schools.”
UNCF vice president Sekou Biddle emphasized that HBCUs bring academic strength, deep trust, and community ties. “They can anchor public schools in excellence and connection,” he said.
Alabama’s charter sector has remained small but steadily expanding since 2015. Grants from the new initiative will support Tuskegee University, Stillman College, UNCF, New Schools for Alabama, and additional partners across the state.