2025 11th Annual HBCU Think Tank Application Form

2025 11th Annual HBCU Think Tank Student Application
The 11th Annual HBCU Think Tank is taking place Wednesday, July 30 – Friday, August 1, 2025, in Elizabeth City, NC, on the campus of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).

This year, we are expanding our focus—not only are we looking for campus leaders such as SGA Presidents, Executive Board members, and student civic leaders, but we are also inviting students who are passionate about democracy, social impact, and the well-being of their communities.

The HBCU Think Tank is a collaborative space for students to engage in deep conversations and strategy sessions around issues that impact their HBCUs, local communities, and broader democracy. It also serves as a powerful networking opportunity with other student leaders and professionals across the state, while equipping participants with tools to be effective agents of change.

We are selecting 4–5 students per campus, with a target of 1–2 SGA representatives and 3–4 civic/community-minded student leaders.

Lodging, meals, and mileage reimbursements will be provided (for drivers traveling within North Carolina only). The city you list as your summer location will be used to verify your mileage reimbursement, so please be accurate when completing the registration form.

Once confirmed, you will be asked to submit a $40 deposit via Eventbrite to secure your spot. This deposit is only refundable if you attend the Think Tank. If you cancel or do not show up for any reason, you will forfeit your deposit.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Thursday, June 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM
Please note: Submission of the application form does not guarantee participation. Selected participants will be notified after all forms are reviewed.

📝 Section 1: Basic Information
Name*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Student Email*
example@example.edu
Pronouns*

She/Her/HersHe/Him/HisThey/Them/TheirsOther
Fall 2025 Classification*

FreshmanSophomoreJuniorSenior
Major*
Minor

🎓 Section 2: Campus & Advisor Information
Affiliated College/University*
Participation Category*

SGACivic Leader (Voter or Political Engagement)Student Interested in More Civic Involvement
Additional Campus Involvement *
If none type: N/A
If any, what campus administrator/advisor should we notifiy that you are attending Think Tank?
Campus Administrator/Advisor

First NameLast Name
Campus Email
example@example.edu
Campus Title/Department

📦 Section 3: Logistics
What NC city will you be traveling from when arriving to Think Tank?*
What NC city will you be traveling to when departing to Think Tank?*
How will you be traveling to ECSU?*

DrivingCarpool
Important Scheduling & Travel Information
The 2025 HBCU Think Tank will officially begin on Wednesday, July 30th at 8:30 AM. If you need to arrive the evening before, on Tuesday, July 29th, we are happy to accommodate your lodging. However, please note that you will be responsible for your own meals until the official start of the Think Tank on Wednesday morning. A light snack bag will be provided upon arrival.

There may also be an optional pre-conference session and networking opportunity on the evening of July 29th for early arrivals. Additional details will be shared closer to the event date.
What nights will you need hotel accommodations? (Select all dates that apply)*

Tuesday, July 29thWednesday, July 30thThursday, July 31st

💬 Section 5: Intent & Involvement
What motivates your interest in attending the 2025 NC HBCU Think Tank, and what do you hope to gain from the experience?*
How do you plan to use the knowledge, resources, and connections from the Think Tank to create impact on your campus and in your local community during the upcoming academic year?*
Describe a challenge or issue affecting students at your HBCU that you believe could benefit from greater student engagement or civic leadership. How would you approach addressing it?*

🌱 Section 6: Student Referrals & Questions
We are building a coalition of NC HBCU students who want to affect fair and just change in our state (through awareness, advocacy, and activism). Can you recommend any students at your HBCU or another NC HBCU that we should reach out to? Please provide their FULL name, school, and email address.
Questions/Concerns

💬 Section 7: Statement
Submission of this application form does not guarantee participation. Selected participants will be notified after all applications are reviewed.

At that time an email with more information as well as an Eventbrite link will be sent to your email to submit your deposit. To confirm your attendance, you will be asked to submit a $40 deposit to secure your spot.

This deposit is refundable ONLY if you attend the Think Tank for the dates you indicated on this registration form. If you cancel or do not show up for any reason, you will forfeit your deposit.

At the conclusion of the Think Tank a refund will be processed for all those who attended to the payment method used on Eventbrite within 7-10 business days.
Please verify that you are human*
Sign to AGREE to the statement above:*

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2025 11th Annual HBCU Think Tank Student Application