Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to be overlooked as a resource for quality talent in the investment industry, despite a decades-long history of producing global leaders in financial services. Yet greater diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the asset management space remain at the forefront of many issues facing the industry. DEI continues to be a pertinent focus of asset owners and managers—particularly the challenge of sourcing top diverse talent.

To help connect resources to talent and as a continued commitment to developing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the business community, the Milken Institute launched the HBCU Fellows Program for sophomore undergraduate students in early 2023. The program offers an eight-week virtual curriculum, in partnership with premier finance education platform ViableEDU, for Fellows to learn more about finance alongside opportunities for professional development, including in-person networking opportunities and exclusive conversations with the Milken Institute's network of leaders in the financial industry.
 

What Our Program Is Designed to Do

• RECRUIT and support a pool of academically competitive students from select HBCUs and direct them toward internships and careers at top-tier asset management firms;

• PROVIDE tailored training to each cohort of students to develop the knowledge and professional skills needed for careers in asset management; and

• CONNECT each cohort of students with the broader network of program alumni, established asset management professionals, and the Institute's experts to build the next generation of competitive and successful industry leaders.