Starting a University Chapter
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FORMING A STUDENT CHAPTER OF BLACK CONNECT ON YOUR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS.
University Chapters are an important way Black Connect is able to reach young Black Americans, and empower them with tools and resources to build self-sustaining Black communities. University Chapters bring our national programming to their campuses, host exciting events, and lead thought-provoking discussions around the challenges students face because of the racial wealth gap.
Black Connect encourages millennials and successive generations to pursue entrepreneurship and utilize their skills and talents to strengthen Black-owned businesses through our university chapters. When considering to petition to establish a university chapter, please start by reviewing Black Connect, Inc.’s National Constitution and National Bylaws.
Benefits of membership
CONTINUED AFFILIATION AFTER GRADUATION
MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATE
BLACK CONNECT LAPEL PIN
COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION TO OUR OFFICIAL PUBLICATION
OPPORTUNITY TO BE FEATURED IN THE BLACK CONNECT E-NEWSLETTER
OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN BLACK CONNECT’S BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION FOR MEMBERS
FREE OR REDUCED COST FOR BLACK CONNECT’S PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
University Chapter: Frequently Asked Questions
+ What requirements must I meet to form a chapter at my college or university? Every college or university chapter member must meet the following requirements:
- Good academic standing as determined by your school
- Must possess honor, integrity, and good moral character
- A strong entrepreneurial spirit or
- A belief in the mission of Black Connect
+ Does my school qualify?
Your school qualifies if it offers a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree and is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting body. You also need a member of the faculty to serve as an advisor to the chapter.
+ How many students are needed to charter a chapter?
A college or university chapter may be established with a minimum of 10 members.
+ How much does it cost to start a chapter?
All chapter members must join the national organization and pay the annual national dues for college students ($20). Once the charter is approved, there is a charter fee that is charged to the chapter to cover administrative costs. The charter fee begins at $200 and will vary based on the number of charter members. The charter fee must be pad in full before the charter ceremony scheduled.
+ What are the requirements after the chapter is chartered?
The main responsibilities of college and university chapters are:
- Execute a minimum of one national program each semester.
- Organize an annual membership drive.
- Hold monthly chapter meetings between September and May.
- Hold elections for office each year during the month of April or May.
+ What are the benefits of membership?
Some of the benefits of membership include:
- Lifelong Membership
- Continued chapter affiliation after graduation
- Membership Certificate
- Black Connect Lapel Pin
- Complimentary subscription to Black Connect’s official publication
- Opportunity to be featured in the Black Connect e-Newsletter
- Opportunity to participate in Black Connect’s business pitch competition for members
- Free or reduced cost for Black Connect’s programs and events
- Begin to build your professional network
- Stay up to date and connected to Black Connect chapters, programs, and events on the Black Connect app!
