ABFE recently announced a trailblazing partnership with Bowie State University (BSU). 

This partnership will design, implement, and sustain a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Philanthropy Initiative, which begins with the launch of BSU’s fellowship program to better prepare students interested in pursuing careers in philanthropy and non-profit management. The initial cohort of four students began the year-long program this month.

“I want to work for an organization that’s mission driven and where I can make a difference, and working for a foundation or another philanthropic entity seems like where I need to be,” said Stephanie Spencer, a recent BSU graduate with a Master's Degree in Public Administration.

“Foundations are charitable organizations that provide funding to worthy causes and people in need. This Fellows program will give me valuable experience and provide the pathway I need to help give back to others,” said Spencer.

“The knowledge that I will attain by participating in the Fellows program will be phenomenal,” said Darren Willis, a student in the Masters of Public Administration program at BSU. “I’ve set my goal on working in a field that is about helping others and I believe the Philanthropy Fellows program will give me a leg up when competing with other students for positions in the industry.”

Darren Willis began at ABFE on July 5, 2022 as our first Bowie State University philanthropy Fellow and will be with ABFE for a year. 

ABFE has long been committed to developing the next generation of Black philanthropic leaders through our Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program and are excited to help expand the pipeline through our partnership with Bowie State University.