In 2019, Haskell made partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) a central part of its workforce development strategy. By supporting student recruitment, mentoring and internships, the company is creating opportunities that expand access to the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

The AEC industry employs more than 13 million people in the United States, about 9% of the national workforce. Of that number, only about 7% identify as Black. Women make up around 10% of construction professionals, and their representation in the design disciplines remains similarly low. With more than 600,000 job openings across the industry each year, building a broader workforce is essential to the future of the field.

Although HBCUs make up only 3% of U.S. colleges, they produce 25% of all Black STEM graduates and nearly half of all Black women in STEM, according to the United Negro College Fund. Only seven of the 99 HBCUs offer accredited architecture programs, a field that remains underrepresented in the Black community.

Senior Design Manager Janel LeGard, a Tuskegee University alumna, helps lead that change through outreach and mentoring. She regularly represents Haskell at career fairs and professional events, encouraging students to explore careers in design and construction.

“Diversity requires opportunity,” Legard said. “For women and minorities in our profession, it’s about having advocates who not only bring you to the table but make sure you have the chance to speak. Early in my career, I was often the only Black person in the room. What made the difference was a mentor who gave me the floor and trusted me to share my perspective. That kind of support builds confidence, creates visibility and reminds others that our voices belong in the conversation.”

Among those she inspired is Assistant Project Manager Montinez Williams, another Tuskegee graduate, who first met Haskell recruiters at a campus career fair before joining Haskell’s intern program and becoming a full-time team member. Now, Williams is following LeGard’s examples, supporting Haskell’s partnerships with HBCUs and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

“When you bring together people from different backgrounds and experiences, you get ideas that wouldn’t surface in a room where everyone thinks the same way,” he said.

“There’s a study by McKinsey that shows companies with more diverse leadership are significantly more innovative and profitable. In design-build, teamwork drives every result. Diversity isn’t just good to have. It’s what helps us solve problems creatively and deliver better outcomes for our clients and communities.”

Design intern Kaden Hall, a Florida A&M University graduate, said Haskell’s inclusive culture reflects the community he experienced in school. “At FAMU, everyone believed in me and helped me build that confidence. It felt the same way at Haskell.”

Challenges remain. The path to architectural licensure takes more than a decade from the start of college, and the financial cost of higher education often limits access to the field. Early exposure also matters.

“If I hadn’t gone to a vocational high school, I wouldn’t have even considered architecture,” LeGard said. “Step 1 is awareness.”

Over the years, Haskell’s partnerships with HBCUs have expanded to include Florida A&M, Tuskegee and Alabama A&M, creating a growing network of collaboration, mentorship and opportunity.

These partnerships bridge critical gaps by providing early professional experience and mentorship from those who understand the path forward. These efforts ensure that future architects, engineers and builders reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Haskell's mission to empower future industry leaders centers on expanding access and promoting diversity.

Driven by its core values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust, Haskell continues to invest in people who bring new perspectives to every project. Contact us to learn more about our partnerships with HBCUs and how you can join us in Creating Things That Matter.