The 1890 Project is a public-interest technology with a mission to build a knowledge-sharing platform that unlocks and amplifies the intellectual power of HBCU institutions. Our digital ecosystem empowers HBCU students, alumni, researchers, and administrators to seamlessly explore, share, and expand their academic insights. Ultimately, we aim to produce adaptable technology and resources that educators can use to develop their pedagogy, especially during times of crisis and in conditions of deprivation.

The 1890 Second Morrill Act was a responsive measure to combat admissions discrimination at 1862 institutions, particularly prevalent in the South, and mandated states to establish separate institutions "of like character" for colored students. Alternatively, states had the onus of proving non-discrimination in existing 1862 institutions. This legislative initiative laid the groundwork for 17 land-grant institutions dedicated to educating colored individuals in agriculture and mechanical arts, spanning across the South and as far north as Delaware. Learn about land-grant universities.

The 1890 Project is dedicated to supporting land-grant HBCUs by advocating for student and educator success, amplifying research, and advancing policy solutions to address underfunding, especially in underserved communities—a challenge for all education levels heightened by the pandemic.

HBCU students, faculty, and administrators. If you are a future HBCU student or HBCU alumni, we have relative programs and resources for you as well. Find time on our calendar below to get involved.