LEADER OF MY HBCU INTERNSHIP

In Spring 2023, the REA D Foundation created a strong partnership with the Black is Gold Club at Hampton University. The club was founded by Amber Anderson, the sixty fifth Miss Hampton University, and focuses on uplifting young Black women through mentorship, education, leadership, and service. Hampton University students were the first to receive this opportunity, and although it was open to all students, it was offered exclusively to students in the Health and Science Department. Through this partnership, Black is Gold members began volunteering with the REA D Foundation by supporting community events, mentoring young girls, leading youth workshops, and helping with empowerment programs across Hampton Roads.

Student clubs and organizations at both Hampton University and Norfolk State University are able to serve as volunteers for the REA D Foundation. After showing dedication through volunteer work, students can earn the opportunity to become interns and take on higher leadership roles within the foundation.

Beginning in Fall 2025, the internship program, now called Leader of My HBCU, expands to both campuses. Students from Hampton University and Norfolk State University can complete their internship in Hampton or Norfolk, depending on their location and partner organization. Both schools work directly with community partners connected to the REA D Foundation, allowing interns to serve in the area where they study while still supporting the overall mission.

The mission of the Leader of My HBCU internship is to provide strong leadership opportunities for young women by placing them in real community settings where they learn to guide teams, manage projects, and support youth development programs. The internship is open to juniors and seniors who are enrolled in an internship course required for graduation.

The internship consists of one hundred twenty hours of hands on service. Interns help run and coordinate REA D volunteer programs in their assigned area. Their responsibilities include organizing volunteer schedules, working with student clubs, supporting community service projects, helping plan events, assisting with mentorship sessions for young girls, collecting program data, and representing the REA D Foundation at school and community activities. Through this experience, students gain leadership training, confidence, and professional development that prepares them for future careers and continued community service.