The World Is My Yard: Platform Gives HBCU Students Access to Campus Experiences, Career Prep Resources and More

Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU) students can access tools, content and resources to thrive on campus, in the classroom and in the post-graduate workplace through a holistic digital platform from The Coca‑Cola Company.

The World Is My Yard, which launched earlier this year through the +one mobile app, expands the longstanding legacy of support the company and its local bottling partners have provided to HBCU communities through sustaining programs that empower students and celebrate the nuances defining each school’s unique spirit and source of pride. Students from all 107 HBCUs across the United States can register using their college email addresses. 

“We saw an opportunity to lean in as a system and explore the specific needs and passions of HBCU students,” said Stephanie Eaddy, Cultural Marketing Lead, Coca‑Cola North America Operating Unit. “The World is My Yard honors the rich heritage and cultural legacy of HBCUs by elevating the unique fabric of the on-campus experience, while preparing students to take on the world after graduation.” 

The platform captures the magic that happens on and off “the yard”—the central gathering spot on HBCU campuses—with an exclusive space for students to stay in-the-know about special events. Events kicked off in August at the start of fall football season with the MEAC/SWAC Challenge and continued at the Magic City Classic in Birmingham and Sprite-led homecoming celebrations at six HBCUs including Spelman and Morehouse in Atlanta. These fan fests included surprise-and-delight moments, product sampling, merch giveaways and more. 

The World is My Yard also includes robust world-readiness resources to help students navigate their academic journeys and bridge the gap from classroom to career. Journalism majors can apply for Coca‑Cola’s $40,000 Sports Production Grant with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. ZIYNX Academy online micro internships help student-athletes prepare for the transition from sports to the workforce. And Project XL (powered by Accenture) is a 13-week curriculum of bite-sized courses focused on collaboration, project management, strategic thinking, innovation and other “power skills” needed to land jobs. During recent pilots at Grambling University and Livingstone College, Coca‑Cola leaders shared real-world case studies aligned with course topics for the program, which culminated with students delivering capstone presentations on what they learned. 

Students can also refresh and refuel on The World is My Yard with wellness content, experiences and perks. Offerings include premium subscriptions and discounts from partners like Uber Eats, Shutterfly and Spotify, and opportunities to connect with community organizations aligned with students’ passions. 

“Everyone approaches their day and school experience differently, so we are providing a diverse array of offerings that help students thrive while nurturing the mind, body and spirit,” Eaddy said.

Learn more about The World is My Yard and download the Coca‑Cola +one app here: https://www.coca-cola.com/us/en/offerings/twimyopt