Top 50 Employersof HBCU Students & Graduates

Since 2002, we have been working with thousands of companies and organizations to assist them in their efforts to reach students and graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Being that we are the largest resource available to HBCU students, graduates and employers, we are in a unique position to view the efforts and campaigns executed to reach and hire HBCU talent. Based on this "bird's eye" view of HBCU recruitment activity, we decided to recognize those companies and organizations that have done an excellent job in their specific efforts to target students and alumni from our nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Why a Top 50 List?

By recognizing a list of companies that we know for a fact are reaching out with specific efforts to hire HBCU students and alumni, we do two very important things:

1. Notify students, alumni and college faculty about companies we feel they should pay special attention to when it comes to job interviews or employment decisions. As a top recruit, you want to know that the company you are going to work for is looking to hire more professionals like yourself.
2. Congratulate and encourage these companies to continue to recruit from the HBCU talent pool. If our organization does not recognize these companies, who will?

Our Criteria:

1. HBCU Specific Outreach - What type of outreach has your organization done to target HBCU students and alumni, as opposed to general market or "diversity" market outreach?
2. Dialogue - We have had a dialogue with 100% of the companies on our list to understand their recruitment goals and tactics. Without this dialogue we cannot accurately rank a company.
3. Relationships - What relationships has your organization established with HBCUs, HBCU Alumni groups, HBCU Student groups, or other HBCU supporting entities that will result in exposure for your employment opportunities?
4. Visibility - While it is not required that a company be a client to make our list, we must somehow be made aware of your efforts.

Ranking Considerations:

1. Consistency - How long has your company included HBCUs as a part of your recruitment strategy?
2. Level of Investment - A diversity recruitment strategy takes money. The level of investment in this area usually reflects how serious an organization is about meeting goals.
3. Actual Hires - Has your organization had success in recruiting HBCU graduates or interns? Tell us about it!
4. Creativity - How unique is your approach to this particular audience as compared to your general market recruitment efforts?

Making The List:

1. At a minimum we need to be aware of your efforts. Please click here to download our instructions for being considered.
2. Send out press releases about your HBCU initiatives and recruitment activities. You can send them directly to us by emailing stories@hbcuconnect.com or we also recommend BlackPR.com as we get all of their press releases for consideration.
3. While we cannot guarantee that you'll be listed next year for allowing us to help you set up a strong HBCU strategy, you can use our services to reach HBCU students and graduates, and we do review 100% of our active and non-active clients when putting together our Top 50 list. Recruitment Advertising Options.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

• Can my company display the HBCU Connect Top 50 Employers logo on our website or other recruitment materials?
  Yes. We just ask that you let us know each time you reference the logo or your placement on the list so that we can keep track and possibly provide additional media support. You can download or link to the logo online using the following url http://hbcuconnect.com/images/Top50_2023.jpg. You can download a high-resolution version of the file using the following url http://hbcuconnect.com/images/top50-high-res2023.jpg.
• When does the review start each year for the Top 50 Employers list?
  We begin reviewing companies on June 1st each year with the goal of publishing the list in our Fall/Winter Student and Alumni publications. If you would like to be considered you should be in contact with us immediately to strategize and communicate your efforts.
• How can my organizations get hard copies of the print magazine which includes the Top 50 list?
  Simply email elynor.moss@hbcuconnect.com with your address and how many copies you would like.
• How can I see the top 50 employers for the previous years?
  See the "Previous Years" list alongside this page.