How the Black Leadership Network is empowering Black students to succeed
Students share how BLN helped achieve their dreams
Black students attending predominantly white institutions often face unique challenges that can hinder their ability to complete a college degree. Financial barriers, limited mentorship opportunities, and a lack of community support can inhibit their path to success. But at the University of South Florida (USF), the Black Leadership Network (BLN) is working to flip that script.
Founded in 2016, BLN is committed to empowering students by cultivating a sense of belonging and equipping them with the resources needed to thrive in college and beyond. Through donor-funded scholarships, BLN has helped alleviate financial burdens for more than 220 students.
In 2018, Helios partnered with BLN to launch the Helios-Black Leadership Network Scholars Program, a renewable scholarship initiative supporting high-achieving Black students with financial need. Designed for incoming first-year students from the Tampa Bay area with a minimum 3.0 GPA, the program offers funding for up to five years, as well as academic support, mentoring, and career development resources. As of Spring 2025, nearly 80 students have been awarded the Helios-BLN scholarship.
Beyond scholarships, BLN prepares students for their future careers through monthly professional development training and hands-on learning experiences. BLN’s mentorship program also provides scholars with guidance from peers, community leaders, and industry professionals who help them navigate college life and career pathways.
Through its strategic partnerships—including the collaboration with Helios Education Foundation—and unwavering commitment to student success, BLN continues to break down barriers and create opportunities that transform lives.
Meet a few of the Helios-Black Leadership Network Scholars: