Skip to main content
  • Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
  • Volunteer
  • Learn CPR
  • ShopHeart
American Heart Association heart and torch logo
American Heart Association
  • Donate Once
  • Donate Monthly
  • donateDonate
  • Close Menu

    Trending Search

    • find my cpr card
    • bls
    • ecard
    • acls
    • find my acls card
  • Healthy Living
  • Health Topics
  • Professionals
  • Get Involved
  • Ways to Give
  • About Us
  • Learn CPR
  • In Your Community
  • Heart Attack and Stroke Symptoms
  • Learn CPR
  • Volunteer
  • ShopHeart
  1. Home
  2. About Us
  3. Bernard J. Tyson Office of Health
  4. HBCU Scholars Program
  5. About the HBCU Program

About the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program

Why

Historically Black colleges and universities graduate the largest number of African American scholars in the field of medicine. (Over 70% of African American medical professionals earn degrees from HBCUs.) But the number of students studying biological sciences at these institutions has been declining since the late 1970s.

How

The American Heart Association designed the HBCU Scholars Program to increase the number of Black students who can compete successfully for acceptance and matriculation into graduate programs leading to professional degrees in the biomedical and health sciences. Scholars learn about the impact of cardiovascular disease on their communities, participate in valuable cardiovascular-related research projects; and explore varied career opportunities.

Need

Education is key to cultivating the next generation of African American doctors, nurses and researchers who will enhance the health of people of color and help reduce significant health disparities. The HBCU Scholars Program depends on funding to support the students’ activities and involvement with the AHA, the largest non-profit organization dedicated to cardiovascular research.

What

The American Heart Association is committed to enhancing education among under-represented groups through strategic partnerships with educational institutions. People of color contribute diverse perspectives to scientific investigation, and those who become health care professionals are more likely to return to practice in their communities where their cultural sensitivity can create trust and improve patient outcomes.


Last Reviewed: Sep 13, 2021

X formerly known as Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Email Print
  • Bernard J. Tyson Office of Health

  • HBCU Scholars Program

  • Current Scholars

  • HBCU Alumni

  • HBCU Mentors

Related Articles

Group of student attendees at the 2022 AHA HBCU Scholar Program Awards (© Larry McCormack

HBCU Scholars Program

Current HBCU Scholars

The Class of 2024-2025 is paving their road to success.
Meet this year's scholars

HBCU Scholars Program Alumni

Making a difference and impacting the future of our communities.
Our Alumni

*All health/medical information on this website has been reviewed and approved by the American Heart Association, based on scientific research and American Heart Association guidelines. Find more information on our content editorial process.

American Heart Association

National Center
7272 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75231

Customer Service
1-800-AHA-USA-1
1-800-242-8721

Contact Us

Hours
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. CT 
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT
Closed on Sundays

Tax Identification Number
13-5613797

About Us

  • About the AHA/ASA
  • Our Impact
  • Annual Report
  • AHA Financial Information
  • International Programs
  • Latest Heart and Stroke News
  • AHA/ASA Media Newsroom
  • Careers

Get Involved

  • Donate Now
  • Make a Memorial Gift
  • Ways to Give
  • Advocate
  • Volunteer
  • Go Red For Women
  • ShopHeart
  • ShopCPR

Our Sites

  • American Heart Association
  • American Stroke Association
  • CPR & ECC
  • Professional Heart Daily
  • More Sites
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X formerly known as Twitter
  • Tik Tok
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • National Health Council Standards of Excellence Certification Program page for Standards of Excellence
  • Better Business Bureau page for American Heart Association
  • Charity Navigator Home
  • Secured by Sectigo page for SSL certificates
  • AHA Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Medical Advice Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Copyright Policy
  • Ethics Policy
  • Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Linking Policy
  • Whistleblower Policy
  • Content Editorial Guidelines
  • Suppliers & Providers
  • State Fundraising Notices


©2025 American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
The American Heart Association is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
*Red Dress ™ DHHS, Go Red ™ AHA ; National Wear Red Day® is a registered trademark.

×
American Heart Association logo

This link is provided for convenience only and is not an endorsement of either the linked-to entity or any product or service.

Proceed