The Bethune-Height Changemaker Pathways (BHCP) are an intentionally designed programmatic response to the systemic barriers and inequities that continue to stifle the maximized success of Black women nationwide. BHCP is named after the National Council of Negro Women’s (NCNW) visionary founder, Mary McLeod Bethune, and longest serving president, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. These two influential women embody what it means to be a true social justice changemaker as clearly exemplified by their rich legacy stemming from their lifelong commitment to advocacy, empowerment, movement leadership, service, and social action. NCNW’s rising changemakers are Black women and girls who are committed to walking in the footsteps of the heroines who came before them by first immersing themselves in BHCP programming to gain invaluable access and opportunity.

CAREER ACCELERATOR

NCNW will design career accelerators for a range of demographics, leveraging this first iteration as a proof of concept—

WHO: 12 undergraduate NCNW members, nationwide.

WHAT: A multifaceted program intentionally designed to kick-start and advance careers. BHCP is increasing the number of Black women excelling across fields, industries, and sectors by providing rising changemakers with the following access and opportunity—

- - COMMUNITY: Opportunities to connect, engage with, and gain support from a diverse pool of Black women professionals—including guest speakers AND mentors who will provide one-to-one inspiration, motivation, AND

- - FUNDING: A $5,000 stipend to support the advancement of their career journey.

- - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Training through experiential and interactive learning intentionally designed to cultivate critical competencies, in theory AND in practice. Coupled with access and exposure to various potential professional opportunities including employment, fellowships, and internships.

WHERE: Hybrid––ten virtual two-hour Change Labs (i.e., master classes), two virtual multi-day conferences, AND two in-person multi-day events.