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Black Engagement Network (BNet)

2U's Business Resource Network for Black Employees and Allies

The Black Engagement Network is aligned with 2U's broader mission and business goals, offering a forum for networking, professional development, and belonging for Black/African Americans.

Culture

A Place to Discover Our Strengths and Be Ourselves: The Lasting Impact of an HBCU Education

Three of my 2U colleagues and I reflect on our own student experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities—and share how they continue to inform our work with 2U-powered HBCU programs, including the Netflix Pathways Bootcamp and Morehouse Online.

Culture

Meet Akinyele Akinruntan, an HR Business Partner Whose Passion for DEI Is a Perfect Fit for the 2U Mission

Akinyele is one of BNet’s newest members, joining us from the edX team. Learn more about his role in HR, the challenges and opportunities he sees in the realm of DEI, and what Black History Month means to him.

Culture

Meet Nicki Cornelius, a Brand Strategy Director Who Creates Opportunity by Driving Awareness of Online HBCU Programs

Learn how Nicki Cornelius helps eliminate the back row in education by increasing access and awareness of 2U-powered programs at some of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Culture

Meet Christopher Beaufort, a Student Success Manager Who Shapes Positive Outcomes for the Netflix Pathways Bootcamp

Learn how Christopher Beaufort drives DEI in education by helping students across six Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions prepare for thriving careers in technology.

Culture

Meet Arica Dickson, an Implementation Manager Whose Passion for Equity Informs Her Work with HBCUs

Through her work with Morehouse College and Howard University, Arica Dickson helps create undergraduate and graduate programs that open doors for Black learners around the world, with the goal of improving long-term career opportunities and uplifting people like herself.

Culture

Meet Ebony Middleton, a Social Worker and Therapist Turned Program Director Supporting the Mission of Morehouse Online

In her previous work with young men and women leaving the criminal justice system, Ebony found education to be one of the most empowering tools for helping them successfully re-establish themselves in their communities. Now she’s working with Morehouse College and leveraging innovative educational pathways to help Black men complete their undergraduate degree online.

Culture

22 Ways to Educate and Empower Yourself During Black History Month—And Beyond

In celebration of Black History Month, discover related educational offerings that can help us continue to learn from one another, build a more inclusive world, and elevate our communities to even greater heights.

Partner Spotlight

Beyond Access Into Acceptance, Empowerment, and Success: The Value of HBCUs and Our Future-Forward Partners

For so many of us at 2U, there’s an enormous sense of pride and excitement when it comes to our partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities. They are institutions where students are not only invited and encouraged to be themselves, but also celebrated for it.

Culture

“They Were Built for Us”: Four 2Utes Share Their Unique HBCU Experience for Homecoming

For Homecoming season, we asked members of 2U’s Black Engagement Network (BNet) to share what made their time at a Historically Black College or University so special, and how it has impacted their worldview and work at 2U today.

Insights

“How Did We Get Here?” Curated 🎥 + 🎧 + 📘 Tracks from Our Black Engagement Network on Juneteenth, Systemic Racism, and Allyship

We all have different levels of familiarity and experience with topics related to slavery and race. In honor of Juneteenth, my colleagues and I invite everyone to explore the holiday’s intertwining history with systemic racism, as well as ways to overcome bias through allyship.