Spelman College alumna Reagan Fresnel is exposing the youth to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Fresnel graduated from the Atlanta college in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. Her HBCU experience, which embodied “Black pride” and “Black excellence,” left a lasting impression and motivated her to create a similar experience for the next generation of learners, Capital B News reports.
Camp HBCYouth
In 2021, she launched Camp HBCYouth with Morehouse College alumnus Brian Wright. The seven-week summer program has served 2,000 elementary school students K-5.
According to its website, the program focuses on several pillars, including academic enrichment. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, reading comprehension, STEAM education, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
The program also highlights HBCU culture and history by teaching children about the legacy of Black pioneers and university chants, the website noted. Hands-on experiences introduce students to college opportunities and career pathways as well. Campers can also visit departments, research centers, and academic facilities and receive mentorship from HBCU students and alumni.
The camp’s sports, wellness, and teamwork pillar promotes healthy food options and daily fitness activities, including coach-led tennis instruction designed to encourage collaboration and discipline.
Finally, the camp encourages creative expression through visual arts and design, music and performing arts, and innovation and entrepreneurship, according to the website.
“We are dedicated to preparing campers for future success by focusing on life readiness, grounded in historical and cultural preparation,” the camp’s website reads. “We also embrace diversity, recognizing its power to strengthen our community and enrich our collective experiences. Through these principles, we aim to inspire confidence and resilience in the next generation of Black leaders.”
The camp has partnerships with the following universities:
- Spelman College
- Tennessee State University
- Morehouse College
- Clark Atlanta University
- Morgan State University
Camp HBCYouth plans to expand to Texas Southern University in Houston, according to information shared with AFROTECH™.
Grant From BeyGOOD
Camp HBCYouth has now received a $25,000 grant from BeyGOOD, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s foundation, which supports “scholarships, entrepreneurship, emergency relief and community-based investments,” according to the foundation’s website.
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In a statement shared via Instagram, Fresnel explained how the support will advance the camp’s goals.
“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, executive director and CEO, expressed.
BeyGOOD commented:
“BeyGOOD is proud to invest $25,000 in @camphbcyouth, an organization inspiring students in grades K–5 to explore the history, and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).Through an engaging blend of education, wellness, arts, and sports, Camp HBCYouth creates meaningful experiences that nurture creativity, encourage personal growth, and introduce students to the possibilities of higher education.”
Early bird enrollment for Camp HBCYouth is Nov. 9.
