Resources

The HBCU Impact Hub Application

Project 68 (P68) is partnering with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to launch HBCU Impact Hubs, on-campus, student-led media and content labs developing the next generation of culturally fluent storytellers, creators, and civic leaders.

Each Impact Hub operates as a paid fellowship program, giving students professional mentorship, hands-on content production experience, and national distribution opportunities — while amplifying authentic campus and community narratives. The initiative is designed to integrate into existing university infrastructure while remaining externally funded and managed in partnership with Project 68.

Today's students engage with information through peer networks, creators, and culturally trusted voices, not traditional media or institutional channels. HBCUs have long produced leaders across culture, politics, and innovation, yet a growing gap persists between civic institutions and the storytelling formats that resonate with Black students and young audiences today. P68's HBCU Impact Hubs close that gap through:

• Talent Development — building pathways for emerging storytellers, journalists, creators, and communicators through mentorship, training, paid opportunities, and professional exposure.
• Content Production & Narrative Influence — producing culturally grounded storytelling that reflects the lived experiences, concerns, culture, and aspirations of Black communities.
• Distribution & Amplification — building systems that move trusted voices and authentic narratives beyond campus, connecting creators to broader media, cultural, and civic ecosystems.
• Institutional Infrastructure — establishing sustainable, campus-based communications ecosystems that link student media, creators, faculty, and institutional partners into lasting narrative infrastructure.

Selection Process:

Student creators are selected through a joint review process led by a Selection Committee composed of representatives from Howard School of Communications and Project 68. The Committee evaluates applicants against program eligibility criteria, reviews submitted materials, and makes final cohort selections in partnership — ensuring HU retains institutional oversight of student selection while P68 contributes creator-industry and program expertise to the review.

**Eligibility Criteria **
To be eligible to apply for the P68 Impact Hub, applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled as a Howard University student during the program period.
• Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be in good disciplinary standing with the university.
• Have at least 1,000 followers on one primary social media platform
• Maintain an active, public account on at least one social media platform, such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or another approved platform.
• Have a demonstrated history of creating and publishing original content.
• Be available to participate for the full duration of the P68 Impact Hub, including required meetings, trainings, and program activities.
• Be able to complete required content assignments and meet program deadlines.
• Be willing to provide relevant social media analytics as part of the application and program evaluation process.
• Be at least 18 years old at the start of the program.

Applicants will be considered across three creator tiers*:*

• Nano Creators (1K–10K followers)
• Micro Creators (10K–100K followers)
• Macro Creators (100K+ followers, not required)

Follower count is used to identify creator tiers and does not by itself determine selection.

Application Instructions

The P68 Impact Hub application will be available through a link on the Cathy Hughes School of Communications website at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/LJVZc9bGaa.

Applicants must complete the online application and submit the following materials:

• Current résumé
• Content portfolio: Provide links to 3–5 examples of your original content that best represent who you are as a creator and the type of content you produce. Your selections may include your most successful or widely viewed content, work that best represents your creative style, or content that demonstrates your ability to connect with an audience.
• Primary content sample: From the examples submitted, identify one piece of content that you believe best represents your work. Be prepared to briefly explain why you selected it.
• Social media information: Provide the handle, follower count, and link for your primary social media account, as well as any additional accounts you would like the selection committee to consider.
• Statement of Professional Goals
• One professional recommendation

Applicants should submit direct links to publicly accessible content whenever possible. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or other platform links are acceptable. Applicants are not required to create new content or compile existing work into a separate video for the application.

Recommendation Guidelines

Applicants must submit one recommendation from a faculty member, advisor, supervisor, employer, internship supervisor, or another professional who can speak to the applicant’s qualifications for the P68 Impact Hub.

Recommendations should address the following:

• Professionalism and reliability
• Creativity and initiative
• Communication skills
• Ability to meet deadlines and follow through on responsibilities
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Potential for professional growth as a content creator

Recommendations should come from individuals who know the applicant in an academic, professional, or organizational capacity. Recommendations from family members or close personal friends will not be accepted.

Statement of Professional Goals

Please submit a brief statement describing your professional goals as a content creator and what you hope to gain from participation in the P68 Impact Hub.

Your statement should address:

• The type of content you create and the audiences or communities you hope to reach
• Your goals for developing your platform, skills, or professional opportunities
• How participation in the P68 Impact Hub would support those goals
• How you hope to use your content or platform to contribute to issues, communities, or causes that matter to you

Suggested length: 200–300 words.

The application will close at 11:59 PM EST on Sunday, September 20, 2026.