Building Bridges Between Boarding Schools and HBCUs

“Students are the best agents of change that we have. That is part of what we are seeking to bring into our community—other adults who believe that they are not necessarily the changemaker, but that they are going to foster a community of changemakers and engaged citizens,” says Derek Krein, Dean of Faculty at Tabor.

Founded by St. George’s in 2022, Building Bridges is a partnership that brings together representatives from independent schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year, founding members of the Partner School Network—Tabor Academy, Milton Academy, and St. George’s—hosted their second annual Building Bridges Fall Career Exploration Program.

According to RoseMarie Wallace, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging at Tabor, this coalition offers participants invaluable insight into the independent school world and an opportunity to exchange diverse ideas, experiences, and perspectives.

“For those visiting from HBCUs, this exposure can broaden their understanding of education, curriculum development, and classroom dynamics, thus enriching their professional perspectives,” continues Wallace, “Conversely, for our schools, hosting college seniors and graduates from HBCUs provides an opportunity to diversify our perspectives, faculty, and staff. It can foster a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, enhance cultural competence, and promote inclusivity within the school community.”

In November, Tabor students traveled to St. George’s to kick off the week’s programming. There, they joined HBCU participants from Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T, and Howard University, as well as students from Milton Academy and St. George’s.

“As soon as I met everyone from Building Bridges, it felt like I had known them forever and I felt automatically comfortable; I didn’t want them to leave. It was exciting to see and learn about the HBCUs, and I loved to see how excited it made my best friends. I took away not only knowledge of HBCUs but the relationships in which you form there. Everyone was like a close-knit family,” shares Payton Scurry ’26.

In addition to learning more about HBCUs, Seawolves took part in classroom visits, campus tours, and candid conversations at St. George’s.

“Being able to participate in this event and visit other schools was a great experience because I got the chance to connect with students who looked like me in independent schools; I felt listened to and appreciated. Building Bridges had an amazing impact on me as a person and as a student at Tabor Academy. I learned how other students share the same thoughts I do, and that I do not face them alone,” expresses Jasmen Cardoso ’26.

Tabor Academy hosted the second day of Building Bridges programming. In the morning, participants joined the entire Tabor community for All School Meeting and witnessed student life in action. Then, participants from HBCUs gathered in Lillard Living Room to learn more about faculty recruitment and hiring, professional development, and faculty housing at Tabor.

“Having this cohort of prospective colleagues and faculty on campus allows us to see what could be. Rather than using our imagination, we get to envision these aspiring educators working here on campus. Building Bridges forces us to look at what we are currently doing, our lived reality, versus what we could be doing,” offers Krein.

Before breaking for lunch, they had the opportunity to engage in 1:1 conversation with assorted academic department chairs and leaders from other areas of school life. In their conversations, Building Bridges participants were able to expand their worldview by exploring Tabor’s global programs and learning more about place-based and experiential learning.

Wallace reflects, “They were struck by our conversation about diversity within the sea. I felt like I got to step outside of my viewed role and be an educator. That excited me, that I could expand their thinking and talk about diversity in several different ways.”

After lunch, student-led discussions were held, including the student panel, “Real Talk with Tabor POC.”

“I knew that everyone there had my back so I could be honest. This experience was really eye-opening and made me want to be more involved as a student of color at Tabor. It made me think about how I can do more to not only make myself and my friends feel less disconnected from the Tabor community, but for others who are feeling the same way who are just too afraid to speak up about it,” says Scurry.

Cardoso echoes her classmate’s sentiments, “The highlight of this event for me was being able to participate in the discussions and use my voice to ask for change in areas that need improvement for me and my peers. I absolutely loved using my voice to advocate for future Tabor students and staff, and for the people of color that attend Tabor now.”

According to Krein, Diversity, Equity, and Belonging (DEB) is woven through every aspect of student life. Hosting Building Bridges allowed students to see Tabor’s commitment to DEB work in action.

“What is really powerful is when our students have a chance to share their truth. Our students want and need a more diverse group of adults in this community. This was an opportunity for our students to hear us acknowledging that we don’t have everything figured out; we as a school, we as adults and school leaders, we are learning all the time too,” emphasizes Krein. “We are trying to co-create the experiences and opportunities we need and not just do what we’ve always done. There is work for us to do here, and it shines a light on the idea that there is such great work that, with our peer schools, we can cultivate together,” says Krein.

As the day came to a close, participants were invited to the Head of School’s house for a “Soul Food Thanksgiving Feast” hosted by Tyrone Black, Associate Head of School. There, they shared good food and great company, while giving thanks for the bridges they built together.