USA Swimming, the national governing body for swimming in the United States, and its fundraising arm, the USA Swimming Foundation, today announced the 2026 Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) grant recipients. Seven HBCU programs will receive funding this year, which will help them start youth and adult water safety lessons, serve a community USA Swimming club, or expand university-based swim clubs. Since the program’s inception in 2021, over $400,000 has supported 15 different programs, directly impacting local campuses and communities.

“Expanding water access intentionally in HBCU communities is core to USA Swimming Foundation’s mission of Saving Lives, Building Champions, and Impacting Communities,” said USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director Elaine Calip. “Through our HBCU grants, USA Swimming, the USA Swimming Foundation, and OneAmerica Financial are investing in institutions that have long been pillars of leadership, excellence, and opportunity, helping to expand learn-to-swim programs, competitive teams, and aquatic pathways for students across the country. It’s collaborations like this one that will leave a lasting impact for generations to come.”

In 2022, OneAmerica Financial committed to supporting the USA Swimming Foundation through a 10-year, $1 million initiative to develop learn-to-swim and competitive opportunities in communities across the country.

“As a company built on protecting families and strengthening communities, we believe every child and adult deserves the confidence that comes with being safe in the water,” said Scott Davison, chairman, president and CEO of OneAmerica Financial. “These HBCU programs are opening doors, building skills and saving lives. OneAmerica Financial is proud to stand with them and invest in their impact.”

Congratulations to the below programs for receiving funding this year:

• Coppin State University (Baltimore, M.D.)
• Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Va.)
• Texas Southern University (Houston, Texas)
• Grambling State University (Grambling, Louis.)
• Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, N.C.)
• Morgan State University (Baltimore, M.D.)
• Virginia State University (Petersburg, Va.)

Learn more about the USA Swimming Foundation’s HBCU grants program here. If you are interested in supporting the program, please contact foundation@usaswimming.org.