A summer camp founded by two graduates from historically Black colleges has received a $25,000 grant from Beyoncé’s philanthropic foundation, providing additional support for a program designed to introduce elementary school students to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Camp HBCYouth, launched in 2021 by Spelman College alumna, Reagan Fresnel, and Morehouse College alumnus Brian Wright, has served 2,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade through its seven-week summer program, according to information provided by the organization.
The grant from BeyGOOD, the foundation established by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, will help the camp expand access to HBCU campuses, hire more college students and keep participation affordable for families, Fresnel said in a statement shared on Instagram.
“To Mrs. Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Ms. Tina Knowles & The BeyGOOD Family. Thank you! Your grant helps us put more children on HBCU campuses, hire more HBCU students, and keep camp within reach for the families who need it most,” Fresnel, the camp’s executive director and CEO, said.
The investment comes as Camp HBCYouth seeks to give young students early exposure to the academic opportunities, cultural traditions and career pathways associated with HBCUs.
Fresnel graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. Her college experience, which she has described as embodying Black pride and Black excellence, inspired her to create a similar environment for younger students, Capital B News reported.
The camp’s curriculum combines academic instruction with cultural education, physical activity and creative development. Its academic programming emphasizes literacy, reading comprehension, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving.
Students also learn about Black history and the legacy of Black pioneers while becoming familiar with university traditions, including campus chants. Hands-on experiences allow campers to explore academic departments, research centers and other university facilities, while mentorship from HBCU students and alumni introduces them to potential educational and professional paths.
The program also incorporates sports, wellness and teamwork, including daily fitness activities, healthy food options and coach-led tennis instruction. Creative programming includes visual arts and design, music, performing arts, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The camp’s stated mission is to prepare students for future success through academic and cultural development, while building confidence and resilience among the next generation of Black leaders.
Camp HBCYouth currently partners with Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University and Morgan State University. The organization also plans to expand to Texas Southern University in Houston, according to information shared with AFROTECH.
BeyGOOD’s grant adds to the foundation’s broader philanthropic work. According to its website, the organization supports scholarships, entrepreneurship, emergency relief and community-based investments.
For Camp HBCYouth, the funding is intended to support both the program’s reach and its ability to provide opportunities to children whose families might otherwise face barriers to participation.
By bringing elementary school students onto HBCU campuses, the camp introduces them to institutions that have played a significant role in educating generations of Black students and developing Black leaders.
Its programming aims to make those college environments familiar well before students begin making decisions about higher education, combining classroom enrichment with direct exposure to campus life and mentorship.
The grant also supports the camp’s effort to involve current HBCU students in its programming, creating opportunities for younger children to learn from college students and alumni while helping build connections between the generations.
BeyGOOD’s investment will help Camp HBCYouth continue pursuing its goal of making HBCU experiences accessible to more children, according to Fresnel’s statement.
