HBCUs Outside
The founder of HBCUs Outside, Ron Griswell, had a vision for engaging HBCU students in the benefits of outdoor recreation, as well as flooding the $1.3 trillion outdoor industry with next-gen leaders. Today, a constellation of care aligns legendary institutions, bright emerging leaders, and the industry’s top brands seeking fresh perspectives.
What we’ve done so far…
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Successful Startup
Established the non-profit, raised seed capital with a virtual/in-person 5K run, and snowballed campus programs and partnerships with early support from the National Park Trust, Rails to Trails, and REI.
Experiential, Social, CRM
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Intellectual Property
HBCUs Outside Leadership Academy
Welcome Outside
A symbol to guide the journey
A constellation, with each star contributing to a greater whole, represents the synergy of 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities collaborating with each other, outdoor brands, and an array of non-profit organizations.
To lead the industry forward, a modern mark was called for. Commanding recognition that Black culture is not new to the outdoors suggested a symbol with heritage. Clean design and a timeless mark strike the balance.
HBCUs Outside welcomes novices and provides paths for those ready to venture further. The familiarity of the North Star and the additional utility, for those with advanced knowledge, of the Ursa constellations represent this dynamic range.
Taking the first step
We began with an activation that was part fundraiser part social justice direct-action, filling America’s trails with people of color and their allies. Our social media campaign was supported by influencers and brands. PR outreach enabled Ron to share his vision and founder’s journey in detail on the podcasts League of Champs and Aire Libre’s Beyond Running, as well as article coverage in Field Magazine, Gear Patrol, and Outside.
Announcements featured a template over trail photos and swipe-up or link to register.
The running community embraced us, promoting nine in-person trail events.
Allies like Jose Gonzales and Pattiegonia provided an intersectional welcome.
Shoutouts to participants and team leaderboards stoked fundraising rivalries.
Hitting our stride
In 2021, the first outdoor club at an HBCU was officially launched at Florida A&M University. In 2022, the program expanded to four more schools and is primed for continued growth.
Student Ambassador Program
Through a partnership with the National Park Trust, HBCUs Outside Ambassadors are funded to form official outing clubs at their schools and run trips. In return, they submit deliverables including trip reports and social media assets.
Grassroots Film
Black Diamond collaborated with the FAMU outdoor club, the first ever at an HBCU, to help them tell their story on a rock climbing trip.
2023 Social Media Plan
Our social strategy engages ambassadors and the student body as content creators. Brands who sponsor content series are encouraged to meet with the students, giving them additional real-world experience.
“Christopher has been instrumental in shaping our organization to sustainably advance diversification of the outdoors. We’re now operating as a bridge for HBCU students and recent graduates, the best and brightest of America’s future Black leaders, who want to recreate outdoors or even work in the outdoor industry.”
— Ron Griswell, Founder HBCUs Outside
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