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.
Our History
Elara was born out of a simple but urgent question: What would it look like if we built lasting systems to support HBCU talent — not just moments?
Founded by Jamaal Burton, a former elected official and HBCU graduate, the Elara Institute was launched to close the gap between potential and power. After years of working in politics, education, and strategy, Burton saw a consistent truth: Black students were not lacking in talent — they were lacking infrastructure.
What began as a conversation among alumni and policy leaders became a bold, national platform for long-term investment in the institutions and individuals shaping Black futures. Elara's name draws from one of Jupiter’s moons — a symbol of orbit, gravity, and brilliance that isn’t always visible to the naked eye.
Since its founding, Elara has grown into a high-trust nonprofit bridging HBCU communities with corporate partners, policy leaders, philanthropists, and creatives — with the goal of building systems that make Black excellence sustainable, not exceptional.
