About the program
The Reginaldo Howard Leadership Program (RHLP) is an initiative designed to honor Reggie Howard’s legacy by fostering Black academic excellence, intellectual community, and leadership development on campus. This selective program provides a structured, multi-year framework to deepen students’ knowledge and skills, and offers them resources to make tangible contributions to Black communities.
Overview
Students will participate in intentional coursework, service, and leadership experiences while cultivating a network of mentors and peers. Students engage in annual cohort experiences, such as enjoying dinners with faculty directors, participating in a common book reading, and supporting the Black Student Alliance (BSAI) event to recruit new students to Duke.
With each year of participation, the program’s expectations grow, challenging students to elevate their contributions and commitment. As they progress in the program, students will choose one of the four key dimensions they would like to explore further:
- Intellectual and Historical Knowledge
- Civic and Community Engagement
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Research and Scholarly Innovation
Program Pillars
Participate in and lead community service activities, especially those that support Black populations
Attend and coordinate lectures, presentations, and events on- and off- campus|
Take course in or cross-listed as Department of African & African American Studies
Attend career and alumni events and join
Lead a professional affinity organization
Learn about and conduct research projects focused on the Black/African Diaspora, producing new knowledge in field
incentives
- Enrichment funding
- Faculty mentoring
- Experiential learning activities on and off campus
- Scaffold reflection exercises
- Alumni networking
- Digital credentials
- Recognition at Final Honors
Program Objectives
- Expands learning spaces
- Outside the classroom, including celebrating the contributions of Black people at Duke and beyond
- Outside the classroom, including celebrating the contributions of Black people at Duke and beyond
- Connects with Duke Faculty and Alumni Network
- Provides easier access to faculty and alums who are eager to mentor and provide academic and career opportunities
- Provides easier access to faculty and alums who are eager to mentor and provide academic and career opportunities
- Supports Unpaid & Underpaid Activities
- Includes internships and research opportunities, especially those which enhance Black communities
- Includes internships and research opportunities, especially those which enhance Black communities
- Enhances Sense of Belonging and Community
- Builds upon strong foundation and existing programs and projects through the Mary Lou Williams Center For Black Culture and the Office of University Scholars and Fellows
Eligibility
Competitive Applicants Demonstrate:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership potential
- Experience in community engagement
- Commitment to Black excellence and communities
- Interest in building stronger relationships with faculty and alumni
How TO APPLY:
For the pilot spring 2025 program, students will receive a nomination to apply.
For fall 2025, there will be an online application available in late spring 2025.