250 Forward Project Launches to Connect HBCU Students with AI-Driven Mentorship

The 250 Forward Project has been launched at the National Association of African American Honors Programs Conference in Birmingham, Alabama, announced in a press release. The initiative marks the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and aims to connect students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with mentors across business, technology, and public service sectors.

Developed by the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth in collaboration with Miles College, UMass Boston, and the MentorPRO platform, the project uses AI-enabled flash mentoring to facilitate short, focused interactions between students and professionals. Through the MentorPRO app, mentors can answer questions, provide career guidance, and share opportunities at their own pace.

MentorPRO, developed by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston under Dr. Jean Rhodes, employs evidence-based tools and analytics to ensure each connection promotes measurable growth. Miles College is implementing the platform’s NSF-supported “human-at-the-helm” model, designed to enhance rather than replace human mentorship.

Over the next decade, the project aims to generate more than $250 million in economic impact through student-led ventures, startups, and community enterprises.