Inclusive Industry-University Collaboration: Best Practices from a Historically Black College/University (HBCU)

摘要

The nation's commitment to diversity and inclusion is intertwined with its strong need for highly talented, competitive engineers who can offer innovative and robust solutions to complex problems. To achieve the goal of a diverse and highly competitive 21st century workforce, industries and universities need mechanisms to facilitate collaboration that are inclusive of the unique talent and capabilities of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). MIT Sloan and other institutions have published several papers on lessons learned and best practices for industry-university collaborations. However, many lessons learned are derived from the larger, predominantly White universities (PWIs). In this paper, we discuss specific barriers and facilitators of industry-university collaborations from an HBCU perspective. Successful models and approaches such as industry partners-in-residence and sponsored activities will be discussed. Failed models and approaches, such as social deficit models or misconceptions of HBCUs, will also be included in our discussion and presented from the perspectives of industry advocates and academics. The paper ends with recommendations and thought-provoking questions to help industry and university collaborators form partnerships that are mutually beneficial, while also contributing to student success.