Advancing scholastic and professional opportunities and mentorship through a powerful alumni network.
The Black Alumni of Pratt (BAP) was founded in 1990 to identify and advance scholastic and professional opportunities for Pratt students and alumni of African/Black and Latine descent. BAP advances those opportunities through scholarships and financial support, mentorship, professional development, alumni participation, and by sharing resources, developing creative-industry relationships, building an influential network, and connecting students and alumni with professional relationships. Overall, BAP promotes an understanding of how diversity can better society at large, inspiring the community to support and engage in these meaningful efforts.
BAP’s mission reflects a guiding principle of Pratt Institute’s founder, Charles Pratt, who said in 1887, “I want to found a school that shall give everybody a chance.” For more than three decades, BAP alums, volunteers, donors, students, and institutional partners have expanded access to education and creative careers through scholarships and financial support, PreCollege opportunities, mentorship, professional development, networking, and signature programs.
In 2026, BAP joined the Office of Engagement, Culture & Community team, while retaining its distinct name, history, mission, network, and community relationships. ECC provides institutional stewardship and coordination while BAP’s alum leadership, volunteers, donors, participants, and partners continue to shape its programs and legacy. This placement connects BAP more directly to ECC’s Institute-wide work while preserving BAP’s established visibility through Pratt alums.
Scholarships and student opportunities
BAP has supported Pratt students through endowed scholarships, full and partial awards, stipends, PreCollege opportunities, and partnerships that connect financial support with academic and professional possibility.
Mentorship and professional connection
BAP connects students with alums and professionals who can share knowledge about creative fields, review portfolios and résumés, discuss career pathways, and help students build lasting professional relationships. CareerConnect, an annual BAP program supported by the Center for Career and Professional Development, offers focused one-on-one conversations with alums and professionals across creative industries.
Programs, events, and stories
BAP programs celebrate creative achievement, support scholarships, connect students and alums, and extend the network across Pratt and the creative professions. Use this section for current Pratt Events listings, selected program highlights, alums and scholar stories, and accessible recordings or archival materials.
Get involved!
Students, alums, professionals, donors, and partners can participate in BAP by attending programs, mentoring, volunteering, sharing expertise, updating alum info, or supporting BAP through donations and sponsorships via Pratt’s giving system. This ensures your support directly advances BAP’s mission and programs.
Contact BAP
For questions about BAP programs, participation, mentorship, or partnerships, email bap@pratt.edu. To stay connected with BAP and other alum events, news, and networking opportunities, update your contact information through Pratt Alumni.