UNCF Doubles Down on Asset Management Talent Pipeline with $10M Expansion

Event summary

  • UNCF expands Project ACCLAIM to Morgan State and Florida A&M, adding $10M in funding from Adage Capital Management and the Gross family.
  • Program now includes four HBCUs (Morehouse, Howard, Morgan State, Florida A&M) with students managing $4M in investment capital each.
  • Initial $10M gift launched Project ACCLAIM at Morehouse and Howard in fall 2025; expansion doubles program's reach.
  • Students gain hands-on asset management experience while supporting institutional sustainability.

The big picture

This expansion reflects growing industry recognition of HBCUs as untapped talent pools for financial services. The $20M total commitment signals confidence in the program's ability to produce investment-ready graduates while addressing systemic wealth gaps. Similar initiatives are emerging across professional services sectors seeking more diverse workforces.

What we're watching

Talent Pipeline Impact
How Project ACCLAIM will affect diversity metrics in asset management leadership roles over the next 5-10 years.
Program Scalability
Whether UNCF can sustain this model across additional HBCUs with similar funding levels.
Industry Engagement
The pace at which asset management firms will create formal partnerships with Project ACCLAIM graduates.