HBCU Translational Science Fellowship
The inaugural cohort of six HBCU researchers to drive Black youth wellness initiatives.
Program Overview
The HBCU translational science fellowship aims to increase the number of viable solutions supporting the mental health and well-being of Black adolescents by amplifying the visibility of Black youth mental health research within the broader mental health field. The Fellowship is designed for research faculty and career researchers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities who have expertise in Black youth well-being and who have a goal of translating this research into practical approaches and solutions. The cohorts of fellows will collaborate with and learn from each other, as well as from Hopelab experts, industry leaders, and previous HBCU fellows to develop and refine their projects.
Applications for the 2025-26 Cohort are open
We are excited to announce the opening of applications for the second cohort of our HBCU Translational Science Fellowship. The Fellows will each work on an independent project focused on supporting the well-being of Black adolescents (ages 10-25). An ideal candidate has research expertise focused on Black youth well-being and aims to translate this research into practical approaches and solutions through partnerships in areas including practice, products, and/or policies. They have an interest in broadening their aperture by exploring different methods for research, design, and application, expanding their networks, and deepening their understanding of adjacent sectors (e.g. digital/social innovation, youth-serving organizations, philanthropy, and/or policy).
Fellowship Details
The Fellowship will begin in early September 2025 and run for 12 months, with the possibility to extend to a second year. Fellows will receive $100,000 to support expenses directly related to project activities. Additional fellowship benefits include individualized project support and coaching from Hopelab staff and previous fellows, access to Hopelab’s professional network, and opportunities to showcase your research to cross-sector audiences.
More details, including qualifications, requirements, and how to apply can be found on the application page.
Meet the 2024-25 inaugural cohort
Empowering young Black people to thrive requires a deep understanding of their unique mental health and well-being needs. Hopelab is excited to accelerate cutting-edge research at HBCUs to help improve Black youth mental health.
Dr. Charity Brown Griffin
Program Advisor, HBCU Translational Science Fellowship
Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at Winston-Salem State University
Bezos Family Foundation
The HBCU Translational Science Fellowship is generously supported by
Emergence Collective
Working alongside curious organizations seeking to be more effective and reflective using inclusive and participatory approaches.
