Black Professionals in International Affairs

New! BPIA Collegiate Chapters

Building the Next Generation of Global Leaders

BPIA Collegiate Chapters connect students to a national network of professionals, mentors, and emerging leaders working across diplomacy, international affairs, public policy, business, national security, and global development. Through campus programming, leadership opportunities, mentorship, and professional development, students gain the skills, networks, and experiences needed to make an impact on their campuses, in their communities, and around the world.

Whether you're looking to join an existing chapter or start one at your institution, BPIA provides the resources, support, and community to help you succeed.

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Invest in the Next Generation of

Global Leaders

BPIA Collegiate Chapters expand the reach of BPIA’s mission by cultivating the next generation of leaders in international affairs, public policy, and global development. With chapters across the United States, our collegiate network engages hundreds of students each year through programming that builds professional readiness, global awareness, and community leadership.

Through campus initiatives, mentorship, and partnerships with practitioners and organizations across the field, students transform ideas into action—organizing dialogues, career workshops, and service initiatives that connect local communities to global conversations.

Your support helps sustain and grow this network, expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the impact of BPIA’s collegiate chapters nationwide.

DONATE HERE

Please note: When making your donation, you may indicate in the comments section where you would like your contribution to be directed. Donors may choose to support the Collegiate Chapters Program overall or specify a particular collegiate chapter they wish to support.

Our Mission

BPIA Collegiate Chapters extend the mission of BPIA by cultivating the next generation of global leaders. With chapters across the United States, our collegiate network engages hundreds of students each year through programming that builds professional readiness, global awareness, and community leadership.

Through campus-based initiatives and national collaborations, BPIA Collegiate Chapters:

Advance BPIA’s Mission by connecting students to pathways in international affairs, public policy, and global development.
Build Community through mentorship, peer learning, and partnerships with local and international organizations.
Scale Impact by organizing dialogues, career workshops, and service projects that bring the global to the local—bridging classrooms, campuses, and communities.

Students are transforming ideas into action—expanding access to international opportunities, promoting civic leadership, and amplifying Black voices in global spaces.

Reach out to us to connect with your college chapter or to start one at your institution: collegiatecouncil@iabpia.org

Click HERE for the Prospective Collegiate Chapter Interest Form

Interested in Starting a BPIA Collegiate Chapter at Your School?

Bring the world to your campus.

BPIA Collegiate Chapters connect students to a national network of professionals, mentors, and emerging leaders working across international affairs, diplomacy, public policy, business, national security, international development, and global engagement. Chapters provide students with opportunities to host events, build leadership skills, expand professional networks, engage with practitioners in the field, and create meaningful impact within their campus communities.

Whether you attend an HBCU, community college, public university, private institution, or graduate school, BPIA welcomes students who are passionate about leadership and global affairs. Starting a chapter is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on your campus while helping build the next generation of diverse leaders shaping our world.

Interested in learning more? Complete the interest form below or contact us to schedule an introductory conversation with the BPIA Collegiate Council.

WATCH THE INFORMATIONAL SESSION RECORDING HERE.

Click HERE for the Prospective Collegiate Chapter Interest Form

Become a BPIA Recruitment Captain!

Help build the future of international affairs—one connection at a time.

BPIA Recruitment Captains serve as campus ambassadors and community builders who help connect students and emerging leaders to opportunities through Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA). Recruitment Captains play a critical role in expanding awareness of BPIA programs, sharing opportunities with their peers, supporting chapter growth, and helping cultivate the next generation of leaders in diplomacy, public policy, international development, business, and global affairs.

This opportunity is ideal for students who enjoy leadership, networking, outreach, and community building. Recruitment Captains gain valuable experience, develop professional skills, expand their networks, and contribute directly to the growth of BPIA's national youth leadership pipeline. Whether your campus already has a chapter or you're interested in helping establish one, Recruitment Captains are at the forefront of growing the movement.

Ready to represent BPIA, recruit future leaders, and make an impact on your campus?

Email collegiatecouncil@iabpia.org

Current Collegiate Chapters & Entities

Building a National Network of Emerging Global Leaders!

BPIA Collegiate Chapters are active across leading universities, cultivating a community of students dedicated to global engagement and leadership. From Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, our chapters represent a growing national network committed to shaping the future of international affairs through service, dialogue, and professional development.

Each chapter hosts events that connect students to diplomats, policy experts, and industry leaders while advancing BPIA’s mission to expand access and representation in global spaces. Together, they embody the next generation of professionals driving change—locally and globally.

Disclaimer:
BPIA Collegiate Chapters and affiliated entities operate under the umbrella of Black Professionals in International Affairs (BPIA). An entity is recognized as a BPIA Collegiate Chapter once formally organized and acknowledged by BPIA, regardless of its current registration status with a college or university. While some chapters are in the process of obtaining official campus recognition, all entities listed here are authorized to represent BPIA’s collegiate programming and mission on behalf of the organization.

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BPIA Collegiate Chapter Toolkit Welcome Packet

The BPIA Collegiate Chapter Toolkit equips student leaders with the resources and guidance needed to establish and sustain a thriving chapter on campus. The toolkit includes a comprehensive Founders Guide, sample Constitution and Bylaws, Leadership Position Descriptions, and Event Planning Templates to ensure chapters operate with consistency and excellence. It also provides a Branding and Communications Guide outlining approved logos, visual standards, and messaging language to help chapters maintain alignment with BPIA’s national identity while expressing their campus character.

Beyond documentation, the toolkit offers a Chapter Launch Checklist, Membership Recruitment Guide, and Annual Reporting Template to help student leaders track engagement, document impact, and plan strategic growth. New chapters also gain access to mentorship from BPIA’s Collegiate Council and professional members, as well as invitations to exclusive national events, virtual dialogues, and leadership development sessions. Together, these tools provide a clear roadmap for chapters to build influence, create meaningful programs, and strengthen BPIA’s national collegiate network.

View Collegiate Chapter Toolkit

BPIA Collegiate Fund

The BPIA Collegiate Fund empowers university-based chapters and entities to grow their impact through funding for leadership, service, and innovation. Designed to strengthen the pipeline of emerging global leaders, the Fund provides direct financial support for student-led programming, professional development, and community engagement initiatives. By investing in BPIA’s collegiate network, this Fund ensures that chapters can host high-quality events, participate in national programs, and expand opportunities for their members to learn and lead in international affairs.

Eligible chapters and recognized entities may apply through a transparent process overseen by the BPIA Collegiate Council. Funding is available in three categories:

Event Support Grants – for hosting panels, conferences, or networking mixers.
Leadership Development Scholarships – for conference attendance, study abroad, or training programs.
Innovation Mini-Grants – for creative, student-led projects that advance BPIA’s mission.

Funds are available exclusively to active BPIA Collegiate Chapters or approved entities. For more information or to request an application, please contact collegiatecouncil@iabpia.org

FAQ

QUESTION	ANSWER
What is a BPIA Collegiate Chapter?	A BPIA Collegiate Chapter is a campus-based student body formally approved by BPIA’s national Board. Even if the university’s own recognition process is still pending, a Board-approved chapter is authorized to represent BPIA, host programs, build membership, and advance the organization’s mission on campus.
What if our campus isn’t ready for a full chapter yet — can we still get involved?	Yes. If your campus isn’t ready for a full chapter, you can start with one of several alternative structures: A Working Group under BPIA’s guidance — small group building interest and momentum. An Interest Group / Collective — engaging students around global affairs and BPIA-aligned topics while you prepare to apply for chapter status. A Committee under an existing student organization (e.g., a BSU or multicultural org) — hosting BPIA-aligned programming while working through official chartering at your institution.
How do I apply?	Begin by completing the Prospective Collegiate Chapter Interest Form on the BPIA website. From there, BPIA’s Collegiate Council will guide you through the application process, leadership formation, and next steps — including optionally joining a Virtual Info Session. Submit this prospective collegiate chapter interest form.
How long will it take for me to be approved as a chapter?	Proposals are reviewed by the BPIA Board on a monthly basis. The timeline varies by campus readiness. Most groups complete the process in one to three months, depending on leadership capacity, documentation, and whether additional university paperwork is required.
What resources does BPIA provide to new chapters?	BPIA offers a “Collegiate Chapter Toolkit,” which includes a Founders Guide, sample constitution and bylaws, leadership-position descriptions, event-planning templates, branding and communications guidelines, membership recruitment tools, and an annual reporting template. New chapters also gain access to mentorship from the Collegiate Council and professional members, and invitations to national events, programs, and networks
Who is eligible to join or start a chapter?	Any group of students interested in global affairs, international engagement, civic leadership, or BPIA’s mission can form or join a chapter — regardless of major, year, or background. All prospective chapters must meet BPIA’s standards for governance, leadership, and alignment with mission before being approved by the Board.
Do we need official recognition from our university to be a BPIA Chapter?	Not necessarily. BPIA recognizes a chapter once it’s approved by the BPIA Board — even if formal institutional recognition at the university is still in process. ❝Disclaimer❞ on the site notes that some listed chapters may still be “in the process of obtaining official campus recognition.”
Can we receive funding or grants for chapter activities?	Yes. Eligible chapters and recognized entities may apply to the BPIA Collegiate Fund for various support categories: event grants (panels, conferences, mixers), leadership-development scholarships (conferences, study abroad, training), and innovation mini-grants (student-led projects aligned with BPIA’s mission).
How do we contact BPIA if we have more questions?	For questions about chapters, launching new ones, or getting involved, email collegiatecouncil@iabpia.org or use the interest form on the website.
Can a high school start a BPIA chapter?	Yes. High schools may start a chapter by submitting the same Prospective Chapter Interest Form and following a similar approval process. High school chapters receive guidance from BPIA’s Collegiate Council and are expected to align with the same leadership, mission, and programming standards as collegiate chapters.
What is the difference between a chapter and a working group?	A chapter is formally approved by the BPIA Board and authorized to operate under BPIA’s full standards. A working group is a pre-chapter formation stage for students who want to build interest, recruit members, and host introductory activities before submitting the full application.
What leadership roles are required for a chapter?	A minimum core team is required: • President • Vice President or Deputy Lead • Treasurer or Finance Lead • Secretary or Operations Lead Chapters may add roles (Events, Communications, Membership, Policy) based on size and goals.
What kinds of programs can chapters host?	Chapters may host panels, speaker sessions, networking mixers, skills workshops, career sessions, social fellowship activities, cultural diplomacy events, service projects, and partnership programs with other campus groups. All activities must align with BPIA’s mission.
Do members have to pay dues?	Chapter members should be active BPIA members through the national membership system. Some chapters may choose to collect small internal dues to support campus activities, but this is optional and determined by chapter leadership.
Are chapters allowed to collaborate with other student organizations?	Yes. Chapters are encouraged to partner with BSUs, Model UN associations, multicultural organizations, professional societies, and policy institutes on campus to broaden engagement and visibility.
What support does the Collegiate Council provide?	The Collegiate Council provides onboarding, training, chapter development resources, leadership mentorship, monthly office hours, programming templates, and access to national BPIA networks and opportunities.
Can alumni or graduate students join collegiate chapters?	Chapters are primarily designed for undergraduate students, but graduate students may participate depending on the university’s rules. Alumni may serve as advisors or mentors but not as officers.
What happens if our chapter leadership changes mid-year?	Chapters must notify the Collegiate Council so BPIA can update records, support new officers, and ensure continuity. Leadership transitions must follow the chapter’s bylaws and BPIA guidelines.
What expectations do chapters have to meet annually?	Chapters must: • Submit an annual report • Maintain an active leadership team • Host at least three BPIA aligned programs per academic year • Uphold BPIA conduct and brand standards Participate in national collegiate activities when possible
Do we need a faculty or staff advisor?	Yes.
Can a chapter be suspended or removed?	Yes. Chapters that violate BPIA guidelines, fail to meet minimum standards, misuse branding, or become inactive may be paused or discontinued by the BPIA Board until issues are resolved.
How can I get individual support if I am trying to start a chapter?	You can book virtual office hours with the Collegiate Council, email collegiatecouncil@iabpia.org , or join an upcoming information session listed on the website.
My school denied our application to become a student organization. What should I do?	You still have several options. • You can choose to appeal your school’s decision if their policies allow it. Many institutions offer a second review or an appeals committee. • You can continue operating as a Working Group, Interest Group, or a Committee under another student organization (such as a BSU) while you build momentum and prepare for resubmission. • You can still submit your materials to BPIA for recognition as an official Collegiate Chapter. BPIA Board approval is separate from your school’s internal process, which means your group can be recognized by BPIA and begin receiving support, guidance, and access to national programming even while campus approval is pending or paused. Chapters often continue to thrive through one of these pathways until the university grants full recognition. Let the Collegiate Council know your status so we can support next steps.
What should I include in an appeal if my school denied our organization application?	If your campus allows an appeal, prepare a clear and well organized packet. You may want to include: • A concise appeal letter addressing the specific reasons for denial • A clarified mission statement showing how your group adds value to campus life • A list of proposed officers and committed members • Examples of planned programs, service activities, or educational events • Confirmation that your group has national backing through BPIA • Any corrections or updates requested by the student activities office • Optional letters of support from faculty, staff, or partner organizations BPIA’s Collegiate Council can help you strengthen your appeal and make sure your materials align with university standards.
What if my school has a long or complex approval process to become a student organization?	Many campuses require multiple steps, semester-long review periods, or strict documentation for new student organizations. If your school’s process is lengthy, you still have options to stay active and connected to BPIA while you wait. • You can form a Working Group or Interest Group to gather students, host programs, and build visibility. • You can operate as a Committee under an existing student organization (such as a BSU, international affairs club, or multicultural office). • You can submit your materials to BPIA for national recognition now, even while your school approval is pending. Once recognized by the BPIA Board, your chapter can receive support, join national programs, access resources, and use the BPIA name while continuing your campus approval process. This dual-track approach helps you build momentum, prepare stronger university documentation, and keep members engaged during long waiting periods.

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BPIA membership is open to all applicants who support our mission and goals without regard to race, religion/creed, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual preference or identity.

Email
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P.O. Box 55922

Washington, DC 20011