The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening its relationship with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This effort follows President Trump’s Executive Order that established the White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at HBCUs.
A key part of this initiative is the creation of the Roy Wilkins Fellowship, which will offer paid positions in the Office of the Secretary for HBCU students interested in public service. The fellowship is named after Roy Wilkins, a leader in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People who was recognized for his work advancing equality and supporting democratic institutions. Wilkins collaborated with Senator Robert F. Kennedy during significant civil rights debates in the 1960s and advocated for African American advancement in the military during the Cold War.
In addition to the fellowship, several major divisions within HHS—including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid—will organize career fairs in partnership with HBCUs. These events aim to provide professional development opportunities for students from these institutions as they prepare to enter fields such as technology, healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and other growing industries.
“HBCUs have produced generations of doctors, scientists, and public health leaders who serve their communities with skill and purpose,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We want to strengthen that legacy. HHS will work side by side with HBCU students and faculty to meaningfully support research that improves health outcomes across the country.”
Secretary Kennedy also held a roundtable discussion with deans and leaders from HBCU medical schools to explore ways to enhance training, research collaborations, and workforce pathways. The conversation highlighted a shared commitment to building long-term partnerships between HHS and HBCUs focused on excellence in education, research, and workforce development.
