The ELETE Program

The ELETE Program offers unique learning experiences for students on HBCU campuses, creates valuable mentorship opportunities, and establishes an inclusive environment that fosters genuine connections with professionals and industry leaders within student’s areas of interest. Our Program increases access to healthy dining to campuses that have traditionally had less access to nutritious options.

The ELETE Program accomplishes its mission by offering financial and organizational support to a mission-driven collaboration between The United Negro College Fund, HBCUs, HBCU students, and other forward thinking universities and corporate partners.

ELETE works to address systemic barriers, increase access to experiential learning, and improve on-campus healthy dining.

OUR GOALS

Addressing Systemic Barriers: Overcoming generational racism and discrimination to provide wealth-building, employment, and business opportunities for Black students.

Increasing Access to Experiential Learning: Expanding real-world business experiences, fostering scientific research, and enhancing professional opportunities for Black students.

Improving On-Campus Healthy Dining: Increasing access to affordable, nutritious, and fresh on-campus dining options for improved health outcomes and future eating habits.

Additional Information About the ELETE Program

STUDENTS BENEFIT

Throughout the semester, the ELETE Program cultivates business skills in students through interactive and professional workshops. Selected participants not only benefit financially but also gain practical on-the-job skills while working at newly established Village Juice & Kitchen campus locations. These locations serve as management training platforms, allowing students to apply the skills acquired in both the classroom and workshops.

Workshops serve as a medium to familiarize students with essential business and entrepreneurial topics. Additionally, the Program facilitates mentorship opportunities and introductions to accomplished professionals within their respective fields, fostering networking and inclusion.

The Program employs a meticulous selection process, offering students scholarships, academic credit, cash stipends, and on-the-job compensation. This comprehensive approach ensures students acquire a diverse set of entrepreneurial and management skills. Upon successful completion of the Program, students are guaranteed employment in their chosen field. Those with aspirations of managing their own restaurant have the opportunity to earn an equity interest in a Village Juice & Kitchen franchise without requiring a personal financial contribution. For those students not inclined towards a career in food and beverage, employment opportunities with our corporate partners are extended.

SCHOOLS BENEFIT

This Program introduces healthy, plant-based dining options on HBCU campuses. The University benefits from installation of a new healthy dining option on campus that can positively affect key health determinants to students' health. The workshops provide schools with additional academic option for its students when there may not be similar access to experiential learning.

COMPANIES WIN

Our partner companies gain access to a pipeline of talented HBCU students who may not have otherwise been on their radar for employment.

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WIN-WIN-WIN

The ELETE Program, facilitated by a network of like-minded professionals, offers a mutually beneficial outcome for all stakeholders involved. Students gain invaluable experience, financial compensation, and professional connections to kickstart their careers. Universities benefit from an enhanced curriculum and training program, along with the introduction of healthy dining options on campus. Corporate partners gain access to a pool of passionate, potentially overlooked young talent that has historically been ignored.

For more about our mission and our team, visit our website at https://www.theelete.com