Open a 529
Your state's 529 plan offers tax-deductible contributions. Georgia Path2College, Florida Prepaid, Louisiana START, and Virginia529 are the major Southern plans.
HBCU-specific scholarships
UNCF, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Tom Joyner Foundation, Coca-Cola First Generation, Ron Brown Scholar Program. Each has dedicated application windows.
Net cost compare
Sticker prices for Spelman, Morehouse, and Howard are similar to PWIs. But financial aid packages can be more generous for low-to-middle income families.
Family contribution plan
Setup a family group chat for collective contributions. Birthday gifts go directly into the 529. Tax-deductible for the contributor if they're a state resident.