A delegation representing historically Black colleges and universities in the United States — known as HBCUs — toured several Israeli universities and research institutes — including Hadassah Hospital Ein Kerem — this summer to learn about Israel’s scientific endeavors and study-abroad opportunities for HBCU students.
HBCUs were established in the mid-19th century to give students of color opportunities they were denied at higher education institutions in the US. Nearly 20 percent of all Black college graduates today come from HBCUs. It was the first time any of the members of the delegation had been to Israel.
"Prior to our visit, I would not have identified Israel as a leading technological and innovative nation," said Dr. Harold Martin Jr., chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. "I leave with a very different perspective, having interacted with so many outstanding universities thriving in areas of innovation and technology that are providing outstanding graduates to leading global technology companies here in Israel and around the world."
Read more about the historic visit in The Times of Israel.