The number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities offering Registered Apprenticeship programs has surged from three to 22 institutions in just four years, according to a new toolkit released by the Rutgers Center for Minority Serving Institutions.
The HBCU Registered Apprenticeship Toolkit, authored by Dr. Marybeth Gasman and Alice Ginsberg, provides a comprehensive guide for HBCUs looking to launch federally recognized apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with paid work experience.
"Registered Apprenticeship programs are one of the most promising, yet underused, models for student success and workforce development," the report states. "For HBCUs, these programs are more than just practical. They are mission-aligned, equity-driven, and transformative."
The programs address a critical challenge facing many HBCU students who often work multiple jobs to pay tuition or support families, preventing them from taking unpaid internships that wealthier peers can afford. Registered apprenticeships offer students a chance to earn while they learn, reducing student debt while gaining industry-recognized credentials.
Currently, 22 HBCUs across the United States operate registered apprenticeships spanning diverse fields including social work, cybersecurity, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and clean energy. Participating institutions include Alabama A&M University, Tennessee State University, Denmark Technical College, and Virginia State University, among others.
The toolkit outlines a five-step process for building successful programs: assembling a campus-wide team, identifying industry partners, aligning curriculum with workforce needs, registering with federal or state agencies, and publicizing the programs to students.
Denmark Technical College in South Carolina serves as a model, offering multiple programs including electrician apprenticeships, cybersecurity training through partnerships with Cisco, and nuclear facility operations through collaboration with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.
