Bring BYEN to Your Campus
Build What Your Campus Is Missing
Some students join organizations. Others build the organizations their campuses need.
Creating BYEN chapters at colleges and universities across the country is an extension of our commitment to building America's network of young Black leaders.
Starting a BYEN chapter gives students the opportunity to create a space where young Black leaders can connect, collaborate, serve, and shape the culture of their campus.
Express Interest in Starting a ChapterMore Than Another Campus Organization
A BYEN chapter should become a trusted space for Black leadership, collaboration, service, and action.
Each chapter has the opportunity to understand what its campus needs, bring students together around a shared vision, and strengthen both the campus and surrounding community.
Every chapter develops its own identity while remaining connected to one national network.
What Could BYEN Become on Your Campus?
A BYEN chapter could become:
Founding a Chapter Means Building a Legacy
Founding leaders help establish:
- •The chapter's culture and identity
- •Its reputation across campus
- •The programs and traditions it becomes known for
- •The relationships it develops
- •The expectations future leaders will inherit
- •The impact it leaves behind
This work takes consistency, collaboration, responsibility, and a willingness to turn a vision into something others believe in.
Who Should Consider Starting a Chapter?
Prospective chapter founders should be ready to:
- •Bring together a committed group of students
- •Take initiative and follow through on ideas
- •Build relationships across their campus
- •Represent BYEN with maturity and professionalism
- •Work collaboratively with students from different backgrounds and experiences
- •Develop future leaders who can continue the chapter's work
- •Build for long-term impact rather than short-term recognition
You do not need to be the most well-known student on campus — just someone who can earn trust and bring people together.
Is Your Campus Ready?
A strong chapter begins with a shared vision, a committed founding group, and a clear understanding of why BYEN belongs on your campus. Submitting an interest form lets you introduce your campus, your prospective founding team, and your vision for a potential BYEN chapter.
Questions about bringing BYEN to your campus?
startachapter@wearebyen.orgChapter opportunities are limited and evaluated individually.