Many leaders from some of the nation’s Historically Black Colleges & Universities are in Atlanta for a conference to discuss strategies to remain viable and sustainable.

The two-day conference at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta has sessions on corporate philanthropy, technology solutions for colleges and universities and working more collaboratively with government and other organizations. The conference began Thursday and concludes Friday.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution explored the state and future of HBCUs in a three-part series and podcasts in February. Some experts have suggested many HBCUs will merge or close in the coming years while others believe their enrollment and influence is growing and will continue to do so. There are nine accredited HBCUs in Georgia.

Organizers and sponsors include the UNCF, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Coca-Cola, 100 Black Men of America Inc. and the National Association For Equal Opportunity In Higher Education.