The NBA Foundation is once again partnering with Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) to launch the NBA HBCU Fellowship Program, a paid 10-week summer internship designed to open doors for undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Applications for the 2026 program are open now through December 5th.
In 2025, MLT delivered strong results for the HBCU Fellowship Program by providing personalized coaching and guidance for students to navigate the application process and highlight their strengths. MLT’s support ensured a smooth and engaging experience, while helping the NBA Foundation select a strong group of fellows, reinforcing its commitment to expanding career pathways for HBCU students.
The NBA HBCU Fellowship Program provides hands-on career development opportunities in the business of basketball for undergraduate and graduate students from HBCUs. Fellows are selected by NBA teams and the league office to work across a variety of departments, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, IT, social responsibility and marketing.
Highlighting MLT and HBCU Fellowship Alumnus, Elliot Howsie
Elliot Howsie, NBA Fellow and MLT Alum, brought his passion for basketball and business to the league.
For Elliot Howsie, joining the fellowship was a dream realized. A lifelong basketball fan, he saw the program as a way to merge his love for the game with his growing interest in business. “Sports can inspire, heal and connect people in ways few other things can,” he says.
During his fellowship, Elliot worked closely with Anshel Boggs, the NBA’s Chief Risk Officer, gaining responsibility for meaningful projects and attending high-level meetings. “It showed me I wasn’t just an intern observing the process,” he says. “I was a contributor.”
His preparation came, in part, from the MLT program and his coach, Ayosike Washington, who encouraged him to research both the organization and the people behind it. That extra effort helped Elliot build genuine relationships throughout his experience.
Elliot, speaking at the NBA HBCU Fellowship Capstone event, sharing his experience and reflections with the intern cohort.
One highlight came at the Fellowship Capstone event, where Elliot was voted by his peers to speak on behalf of the intern class, a moment he says reflected his growth in confidence and connection.
Why Not You
Elliot attends the 2025 NBA Draft, connecting with the league and gaining firsthand experience in the business of basketball.
Now, as the next application window opens, Elliot encourages other HBCU students to take their shot. “If I could do it, so can you. Trust your preparation and apply with confidence.”
Learn more and apply at nbafoundation.nba.com/hbcu-fellowship.
