14 Professional Organizations to Partner With to Recruit Black Talent

There are plenty of groups to choose from — but which are right for your needs?

As organizations continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, many are seeking partnerships with professional organizations that represent and support candidates from different backgrounds, such as Black professionals. By partnering with these organizations, they can gain access to a diverse candidate pool, attend the recruitment events and job fairs that the group hosts both virtually and in-person, and sponsor events to demonstrate their commitment to D&I. 

But with so many groups to choose from, it’s important that companies today understand their options and connect with the right groups for their target candidates. To help you get started, below are 14 professional organizations to partner with to help your diversity recruiting efforts:

National Society of Black Engineers

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of the largest student-governed organizations dedicated to increasing the number of black engineers and aspiring engineers. With programs and resources for K-12 through the collegiate level and professionals, this organization upholds its mission “to increase the number of culturally responsible black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.” NSBE offers a wide range of resources for its members, such as opportunities to network, mentoring programs, professional development workshops, and more general job search support. Learn more about the NSBE here.

DevColor

Type: Professional

DevColor is a professional development and career acceleration program for Black software engineers, technologists, and executives. The groups’ mission is to work closely with partner companies to close the diversity gap in tech by connecting Black professionals with job opportunities, mentorship, and career accelerator programs. Through various initiatives, DevColor offers an opportunity for companies to recruit from a large pool of great talent. Learn more about DevColor here.

NAACP

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

The National Association For the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the United States. It’s been around since 1909 and is dedicated to fighting injustice and discrimination against people of color. The organization works with local branches, youth councils, and college chapters to promote the advancement of black people in all areas — including in their careers. To learn more about NAACP, click here.

National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)

Type: Professional, collegiate

A nonprofit organization, the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) supports Black accounting professionals’ development and advancement. With over 200,000 Black Business Leaders in accounting, finance, business, and entrepreneurship, NABA advances people, careers, and the mission by providing education, resources, and meaningful career connections. To learn more about the National Association of Black Accountants, click here.

Black Girls CODE

Type: collegiate, pre-collegiate

Black Girls CODE is a female-empowering nonprofit that works to increase the number of women of color in various tech fields. With chapters worldwide surpassing 30,000 members, Black Girls CODE provides workshops and programs to introduce girls to coding and other STEM-related activities. The group also offers mentorship and leadership opportunities for young women looking to break into the tech industry. Learn more about Black Girls CODE here.

Black Women in Science and Engineering

Type: Professional

Black Women in Science and Engineering (BWISE) is a professional organization developing and supporting Black women with STEM degrees through mentoring, conferences, symposia, and educational programs. Through these activities, the group upholds its mission of significantly impacting the diversity of the STEM pipeline — both corporate and academic — from beginning to end. Learn more about Black Women in Science and Engineering and its mission here.

Management Leadership for Tomorrow

Type: Professional, collegiate

Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) is a leadership development organization dedicated to helping Black and underrepresented professionals reach their full potential. Through a two-year fellowship, the group has given over 8,000 leaders individual and group coaching, mentorship, sponsorships, internships, and fellowships. MLT also aims to increase the number of black men and women in executive positions by providing resources that will equip them with the necessary skills to succeed. Learn more about Management Leadership for Tomorrow here.

AfroTech

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

As the premier tech, investing, and wealth-building platform for the Black community, AfroTech connects, promotes, and empowers Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and creatives within the tech industry. Through its platform, AfroTech provides resources, events, and platforms for networking, learning, business growth, and more to help Black professionals break into and excel in the tech industry. Learn more about AfroTech here.

Jackie Robinson Foundation

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

Established in 1973 by Rachel Robinson, the Jackie Robinson Foundation is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to minority youth. The foundation offers comprehensive career resources, college success curriculums, and financial aid to ensure its scholars successfully complete their degrees and pursue successful careers. Learn more about the Jackie Robinson Foundation here.

Black Career Women’s Network

Type: Professional

The Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) is an online career community established in 2012 for black women who want to excel in their professional and personal lives. The organization provides tools, resources, and experiences to help members gain new skills, network with other professionals, increase job opportunities, advance their careers, and develop as leaders. Learn more about the Black Career Women’s Network here.

Ron Brown Scholar Program

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is the nation’s leading scholarship program for African-American youth. The program awards college scholarships to high school seniors who excel academically, demonstrate strong leadership potential, and participate in community service activities. Through this program, students receive mentorship from business leaders, in addition to financial aid from partner corporations. Learn more about the Ron Brown Scholar Program here.

Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA)

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

The Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) is the largest professional technology organization for Blacks and other minorities in the United States devoted to the entry of Black talent into the IT field. As the first information technology association of its kind, BDPA helps IT professionals develop their skills and career opportunities while also helping employers increase the diversity of their workforce. Learn more about BDPA here.

INROADS

Type: Professional, collegiate, pre-collegiate

With over four decades of experience, INROADS is a national leader in advancing diverse youth in corporate America. The organization helps increase the number of young people of color in business and technology fields through its internship programs, corporate partnerships, mentor networks, and workshops, providing a support system that can last a lifetime. To learn more about INROADS, click here.

Posse

Type: collegiate, pre-collegiate

Posse is a college access and success program that identifies urban and public high school students with extraordinary academic and leadership potential who may not otherwise have access to elite universities. By giving students full scholarships to its partner schools and pre-college training, this group’s ultimate mission is to expand the pool from which top colleges and universities can recruit outstanding young leaders from diverse backgrounds. Learn more about Posse and its mission to empower young leaders here.

The names listed here are just a few of the many organizations working to recruit and empower Black professionals — and should serve as a great starting point for your campus recruiting team. These organizations provide valuable resources and support for both the employees and the employer, helping to create a more inclusive and equitable work environment. To reach a diverse pool of talent, you will also want to consider what technology or recruiting software you can leverage to reach students from different backgrounds, such as RippleMatch. Armed with these organizations and the tools to recruit from a wider range of schools, you can help your team meet its D&I goals and expose more promising talent to your opportunities. 

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