About Us

The Elara Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building long-term infrastructure for the next generation of Black leaders. Rooted in the legacy and excellence of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Elara was created to do more than raise awareness — it was built to raise capital, access, and opportunity. We invest in students, not just scholarships. We develop leaders, not just résumés. Through fellowships, convenings, mentorship programs, and public-private partnerships, Elara is reimagining how Black brilliance is funded, scaled, and sustained.

Our work sits at the intersection of education, equity, policy, and culture — connecting high-potential students and alumni with the resources, networks, and platforms they need to lead across industries and institutions. We don’t offer charity. We offer scaffolding. Because we believe when students rise, institutions rise. And when institutions are strong, communities thrive.

Board of Directors

Elara Institute’s Board of Directors is composed of cross-sector leaders committed to shaping the future of HBCUs, equity infrastructure, and next-generation leadership. Our Board brings experience from public service, higher education, entrepreneurship, health, finance, and philanthropy.

Jamaal Burton

Chair

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Board Member Coming Soon

Final slate of members to be announced

Elara Institute is guided by a visionary Board of Directors comprised of changemakers, institutional leaders, and advocates for education, equity, and long-term impact. Our full Board announcement will be shared in Summer 2025.

Empowering the future of Black
excellence through HBCUs.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

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© 2025 Elara Institute. All rights reserved. Elara Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Empowering the future of Black
excellence through HBCUs.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Subscribe to our Newsletter.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service apply.
By signing up, you agree to the bloomberg.org Privacy Policy.
© 2025 Elara Institute. All Rights Reserved. Elara Institute is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Empowering the future of Black
excellence through HBCUs.

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Subscribe to our Newsletter.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service apply.
By signing up, you agree to the bloomberg.org Privacy Policy.

© 2025 Elara Institute. All Rights Reserved. Elara Institute is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.