Celebrating 60 Years of Higher Education Act with the 250 Forward Project Launch

250 Forward Project Launches to Honor Higher Education

In a groundbreaking event held on November 5, 2025, the 250 Forward Project was unveiled during the National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP) Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. This initiative coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which significantly reshaped the educational landscape for millions of Americans by expanding access to higher education.

The 250 Forward Project is developed by the 2150 Center for Innovation, Commercialization & Growth, in collaboration with Miles College, UMass Boston, and the innovative MentorPRO platform. It aims to connect emerging scholars, particularly those from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with influential mentors across various sectors including business, technology, and public service. By leveraging technology, the project seeks to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

One of the standout features of the 250 Forward Project is its flash mentoring approach through the MentorPRO app. Traditionally, mentoring relationships can demand a significant time commitment from busy professionals, but the flash mentoring model allows for more flexible, short interactions that can occur whenever both parties are available. This innovative method enables mentors to provide guidance and advice at their convenience, facilitating crucial connections for students who may not have had access to such opportunities in more conventional settings.

The use of MentorPRO enhances these mentoring experiences with a structure that combines real-time guidance and monitored learning experiences. This is particularly crucial for preparing students to dive into entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation, while fully utilizing the benefits of an AI-integrated application.

Erskine Faush, CEO of 2150, articulated the vision behind the initiative: "Our vision is not just about mentoring—it's about movement. By helping students build networks, start businesses, and think like innovators, we're planting the seeds of an economy that they will own and grow. Over the next decade, we expect this initiative to help students generate more than $250 million in economic impact through new ventures, startups, and community enterprises."

The strategic use of MentorPRO also showcases advanced AI technologies, harnessed by researchers at UMass Boston, led by Dr. Jean Rhodes, a prominent voice in the field of mentorship. Dr. Rhodes highlighted how MentorPRO's evidence-based tools and analytics ensure that every connection between students and mentors contributes to significant personal and professional growth.

"Miles College is pioneering MentorPRO's NSF-supported 'human-at-the-helm' model, where AI improves rather than replaces the mentor's role," explained Dr. Rhodes. "250 Forward brings this vision to life by connecting HBCU scholars with accomplished mentors and ensuring that the next generation doesn't just benefit from opportunities; they actively build them."

Commenting on the significance of the Higher Education Act, Dr. Tonya Perry, Provost of Miles College stated, "The Higher Education Act opened doors to opportunity—and 250 Forward ensures that those doors lead to leadership, ownership, and innovation. Through entrepreneurship and mentorship, we are equipping students not only to succeed in their careers but to shape the economy of the future."

The 250 Forward launch at the NAAAHP Conference is more than just a celebration; it is a commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and leadership among HBCU students and faculty. As participants from across the nation come together, they reaffirm the importance of redefining what's possible in the realm of higher education.

In recognizing the legacy of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the 250 Forward Project steps forward to build a brighter, more inclusive future for aspiring leaders and innovators, ensuring that they are not only beneficiaries of educational opportunities but also key contributors to the economy of tomorrow.

For more information about the 250 Forward Project and its initiatives, visit 2150 Innovate.