Nationwide — Reagan Fresnel, an HBCU graduate from Atlanta, Georgia, is introducing elementary school students to historically Black colleges and universities through a summer camp she co-founded in 2021. Her program, Camp HBCYouth, recently received a $25,000 grant from Beyoncé’s foundation to help more children explore college life and learn about Black history.
Fresnel graduated from Spelman College in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and government. Her time there exposed her to a community centered on Black pride, culture, and academic excellence. She wanted younger students to experience that environment early and understand the opportunities HBCUs offer. So, she partnered with Brian Wright, a Morehouse College alumnus, to launch the camp and bring that vision to life.
The seven-week summer program has served approximately 2,000 students from kindergarten through fifth grade. Its curriculum combines traditional academic lessons with activities that introduce children to HBCU history, campus life, and future career opportunities. Students strengthen their reading and literacy skills while exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). They also learn about Black pioneers and HBCU traditions, visit university departments and research facilities, and receive mentorship from HBCU students and alumni.
Beyond academics, Camp HBCYouth encourages physical activity, teamwork, and creative expression. Campers take part in daily fitness activities, learn about healthy eating, and receive tennis instruction from coaches. The program also offers activities in visual arts, design, music, performing arts, innovation, and entrepreneurship. These experiences allow children to discover their interests while developing practical skills. The camp currently partners with Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Tennessee State University, and Morgan State University. It also plans to expand to Texas Southern University in Houston.
According to AfroTech, the new funding comes from BeyGOOD, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s charitable foundation, which supports education, scholarships, entrepreneurship, emergency relief, and community-based initiatives. Fresnel thanked Beyoncé, her mother Tina Knowles, and the foundation’s team in a statement posted on Instagram. She said, “Your grant helps us put more children on HBCU campuses, hire more HBCU students, and keep camp within reach for the families who need it most.”
BeyGOOD also highlighted Camp HBCYouth’s work in a public statement, praising its efforts to introduce students in kindergarten through fifth grade to the history and influence of HBCUs. The foundation noted how the camp combines education, wellness, arts, and sports to encourage personal growth and creativity. The $25,000 grant will support the program’s broader mission of exposing more children to higher education while creating opportunities for HBCU students and making the experience more accessible to families.