2026 Think Tank Student Application

2026 Think Tank Student Application
The North Carolina Black Alliance proudly presents the 12th Annual HBCU + Community Think Tank, hosted by Shaw University, Sunday, July 26 – Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in Raleigh, NC.

This year, we are bringing together 50 campus and community changemakers ages 18–30 from across the state who are passionate about civic engagement, cultural advocacy, leadership, and creating impact in their communities. We welcome student leaders, organizers, activists, creatives, entrepreneurs, and community-minded individuals ready to help shape the future of Black civic and cultural power across North Carolina.

Centered around the theme “A SNCC Peek: Our Liberation Will Be Socialized,” participants will engage in interactive discussions, strategy sessions, simulations, and movement-building experiences inspired by the legacy of student activism and grassroots organizing. Together, participants will explore issues impacting Black communities while developing ideas and strategies to activate campuses and communities ahead of the upcoming elections.

The Think Tank is designed to:

Build leadership and organizing skills
Foster statewide networking and collaboration
Equip participants to become agents of change in their communities

Lodging and meals will be provided. A $50 gas per diem will be available for approved drivers traveling within North Carolina who attend the full Think Tank experience.

Once selected, participants must submit a $40 refundable deposit via Eventbrite to secure their spot. Deposits will only be refunded to participants who attend the Think Tank in full. If you cancel or do not show up for any reason, you will forfeit your deposit.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Please note: Submission of an application does not guarantee participation. Selected participants will be notified after applications are reviewed.
- Name
  
  First NameLast Name
- Phone Number
  Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
- Email
  Students, please enter your campus email address.
- Pronouns:
- Select One
- In what North Carolina city do you live?
- Fall 2026 Classification:
- Affiliated College/University
- Please list your affiliated College/University here:
- Major:
- Minor:
- Participation Category
- 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.com
- Campus Title/Department
- What city and state will you be traveling from on your way to the Think Tank?
- How will you be traveling to Raleigh?
  
  Other
- Think Tank begins at 1:00 PM Sunday, July 26 and ends 1:00 PM Tuesday, July 28
- What nights will you need hotel accommodations? (Select all dates that apply)
- Dietary Allergies/Restrictions
- Unisex T-Shirt Size
- We are building a coalition of NC students and community advocates who want to affect fair and just change in our state (through awareness, advocacy, and activism). Can you recommend anyone in your 18-30 year old network across the state that we can reach out to (HBCU students, Black student organizations, community advocates, etc.)? Please provide their FULL name, school (if applicable), and email address.
- In what ways are you currently involved in your community?
- What interests you in attending the HBCU Think Tank?
- Questions/Concerns:
- 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:
Should be Empty: