The HBCU Collaborative Network proposed an innovative and much-needed strategy for supporting Black Americans in collegiate communities to overcome negative mental, emotional, and physical impacts created by COVID-19. This proposal gave birth to the current student internship program.

Though all colleges have been hurt by pandemic-related closures in 2020 and face continuing uncertainties for the foreseeable future (such as dropping attendance rates, decreased tuition income, class availability in-person or virtually, teacher burn-out, etc.) the impact is particularly acute for historically black colleges and universities.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many inequities faced by people of color into sharp focus. It is important to note that the structural inequities experienced by Black Americans are rooted in our country's history.  Historically Black Colleges and Universities were created during the period of racial segregation to provide an alternative for African Americans in higher education. They have long been a bridge toward more equitable education for people of color, as well as a path to upward mobility. HBCUs provide an environment that positively impacts a variety of social determinants of health that can improve the mental and physical wellness for Black Americans.