HBCU Policing Initiative
The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Policing Initiative (“HBCU Initiative”) is a program within the overall ASPIRE project that focuses on HBCU engagement with the policing profession. The goal of this Initiative is to actively involve HBCU students, law enforcement, and faculty/staff in efforts to improve recruitment, retention, and support of officers of color in law enforcement, and to advance the profession as a whole.
We hope to accomplish this by:
- Engaging students and other interested parties by establishing working groups at each HBCU Affiliate
- Educating students about policing as a profession, including historical context, various jobs and career paths within policing, and advancements in the field
- Promoting meaningful engagement between law enforcement agencies and potential applicants of color
- Empowering working groups to create resources about law enforcement careers for potential recruits, agencies, and policymakers
Will the HBCU Policing Initiative be at YOUR HBCU?
Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Morehouse School of Medicine in Atlanta, GA
What’s next for the HBCU Initiative?
Starting in the Fall 2024 semester, the RTI International ASPIRE HBCU Initiative Team along with their partners will be connecting with each HBCU Initiative Affiliate to identify a Site Coordinator, who will lead a Working Group made up of eight to ten HBCU Student Ambassadors, with options to include input and interaction from local law enforcement and/or university faculty/staff.
In late Fall and Winter 2024, Site Coordinators will start recruiting HBCU Initiative Student Ambassadors to make up the core Working Group. HBCU students must apply to be involved in this opportunity!
At the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester, RTI International and its partners will host an ASPIRE HBCU Student Training Workshop, where all Student Ambassadors will be able to learn about the ASPIRE Project and HBCU Initiative. There will also be presentations on various topics related to law enforcement and associated careers.
We’re just getting started, so keep checking back for important updates and information on how YOU can get involved in the HBCU Policing Initiative!
Questions? Contact us!
