January 11, 2026

Welcome to our weekly Sunday newsletter.

This week we look into how HBCUs are rising nationwide, fueled by historic progress and major investments that include Tuskegee’s revised aviation legacy, CAUs new Student Success Center and TSUs $50 million engineering expansion.

Bloomberg Invests $20M to Build Charter Schools on HBCU Campuses

Billionaire philanthropist Michael Bloomberg has launched a $20 million initiative to support educational access by creating high-quality charter schools directly on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campuses — a first-of-its-kind effort aimed at strengthening the pathway from early grades through college.

What the Initiative Does

• Allocates $20 million to develop charter schools hosted on HBCU campuses, beginning with partnerships in Alabama.

• Seeks to expand access to high-performing K-12 education that introduces students early to academic expectations, college environments, and culturally supportive learning spaces.

• Designs classroom instruction around mentorship, advanced coursework, and experiential learning to boost college enrollment and success.

Why It Matters

• This is one of the most ambitious private philanthropy efforts focused on long-term student achievement within historically Black institutions.

• By situating charter schools on HBCU grounds, the program aims to build a national pipeline that prepares students to graduate K-12, enroll in college, and persist through graduation.

• Experts say closing achievement gaps starts well before college admission — with quality instruction and culturally relevant support systems early in students’ academic journeys.

Early Implementation & Expectations

• Tuskegee University and Stillman College are among the first campuses expected to participate.

• Schools will operate independently but benefit from campus facilities, resource centers, and mentorship opportunities from faculty and undergraduates.

• Community leaders hope the initiative will reinforce a college-going mindset and create stronger educational options for families.

This program marks a major new chapter in efforts to align K-12 learning with higher education access and success for Black students nationwide.

campus chronicles // hbcu edition

Tennessee State University is moving forward with a $50 million, 70,000-square-foot engineering hub on its Nashville campus, approved in August and set to break ground later this year with completion targeted for summer 2027. The facility will centralize engineering programs, advanced labs (including energy, additive manufacturing, and drone/air traffic spaces), and industry partnerships to enhance hands-on learning, research capacity, and workforce alignment. Anchored in a fast-growing tech and manufacturing region, the hub aims to deepen employer connections, boost STEM opportunities at scale, and strengthen TSU’s role in preparing future engineers and innovators.

Tuskegee University has revived its historic aviation legacy as student pilot Isaiah Hand became the first certified pilot trained at Moton Field in nearly 80 years. The achievement marks a symbolic continuation of the Tuskegee Airmen’s trailblazing impact while opening new doors for Black representation in aviation. Relaunched in 2024 with federal support and new partnerships, Tuskegee’s Aviation Science program now offers accredited training with modern aircraft, simulators, and industry-aligned instruction. With a national pilot shortage looming, the university is positioning its graduates to lead the next wave of aviation and aerospace professionals.

Clark Atlanta University has begun construction on a new $12 million, 48,000-square-foot Student Success Center—its first new campus building in more than 20 years, signaling a major investment in academic achievement. The facility will centralize advising, tutoring, and first-year support programs to help students thrive from enrollment through graduation. Rising demand is driving this expansion, with CAU receiving over 48,000 applications for just 1,200 spots and an incoming class boasting a 3.71 average GPA. The project is part of a broader campus growth plan, including new housing and dining facilities that reinforce CAU’s commitment to delivering a high-quality student experience.

black history in quotes 

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culture

Alicia Keys opens up about the personal life experiences that helped shape her hit Broadway musical Hell’s Kitchen in her new book Hell’s Kitchen: Behind the Dream.
In an exclusive excerpt, Keys explains that her frustration with the lack of authentic, diverse stories on Broadway inspired her to create a show that reflects the real lives of people she knew growing up.

The musical follows the journey of a young woman coming of age in New York City, drawing loosely on Keys’s own upbringing. Keys and co-writer Lise Funderburg also share behind-the-scenes stories from the show’s 13-year development process. While not strictly autobiographical, the story reflects Keys’s experiences growing up in Hell’s Kitchen with her single mother in a diverse but gritty neighborhood. Her mother’s determination and the community around them became central emotional and creative influences in both the musical and the book.

The book offers readers a rare behind-the-curtain look at how Keys’s life, family and artistic vision helped bring this powerful story to Broadway.

Our editor, Lisa D. Tinsley, would like to thank you for spending part of your day with KISA News Radio.

See you next Sunday.

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