The Elara Institute Launches to Redefine the Future of Black Leadership and HBCU Investment
May 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Elara Institute Launches to Redefine the Future of Black Leadership and HBCU Investment
New York, NY — [May 15, 2025] — In a time when equity is at risk of becoming a trend rather than a commitment, a bold new institution has emerged with the infrastructure, talent, and urgency to shift that narrative permanently. Today, the Elara Institute officially launches as a national nonprofit dedicated to building long-term systems of investment, mentorship, and policy influence for students and graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Founded by former elected official and operator Jamaal Burton, Elara exists at the intersection of education, access, and cultural power — and is being positioned as a hybrid between a leadership accelerator, a philanthropic strategy lab, and a next-gen institution-builder for Black excellence.
“Elara is not a charity. It’s a blueprint,” said Burton, who serves as the Institute’s Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re creating durable, high-trust pathways for HBCU students to move from classrooms to boardrooms, campaign trails to C-suites. And we’re doing it with intention, speed, and a deep respect for legacy.”
Infrastructure for Influence
Unlike many equity-focused nonprofits, Elara is designed not to provide surface-level support — but to build what Burton calls “civic scaffolding.” The organization will focus on three core pillars:
The Elara Ascend Fellowship — a flagship cohort program that blends leadership development, public service exposure, and career placement.
The Elara Scholars Fund — offering targeted scholarships and emergency aid for high-achieving students attending HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions.
The Elara Civic Corps — a pipeline for HBCU students and alumni entering government, grassroots, and institutional leadership.
Additional programming includes the Elara Career Catalyst initiative, national convenings such as the HBCU Futures Summit, and high-level gatherings in Martha’s Vineyard and the Hamptons, designed to fundraise and foster cross-sector partnership.
Partners, Pipeline, and Power
Elara’s early network includes founders, executives, cultural leaders, and HBCU alumni across sectors — including partnerships with creative agencies, university leaders, and mission-aligned corporate sponsors.
From curated Fireside Chats featuring CEOs and policymakers, to behind-the-scenes mentorship programs and private salons with investors and artists, Elara’s programming is designed to reflect the complexity and ambition of Black leadership in this era.
“We’re not asking for seats at the table,” Burton said.
“We’re designing the next table.”
About Elara Institute
The Elara Institute is a national nonprofit that builds infrastructure for the next generation of Black leaders through fellowships, policy engagement, scholarships, and convenings. Rooted in the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Elara exists to scale access, accelerate talent, and institutionalize equity through systems, not slogans.
Learn more at www.elarainstitute.org or follow Elara on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Media Contact:
impact@elarainstitute.org
