The National Black Graduate Student Association supports a variety of objectives through its annual conference and initiatives throughout the year, including:

1. Increasing the number of graduate and professional students of African descent by encouraging undergraduates to pursue graduate and professional degrees
   
2. Providing resources that will enhance the likelihood of academic and career success of current graduate and professional students, and
   
3. Developing a network of emerging scholars of African descent who are dedicated and sensitive to the needs and concerns of an increasingly diverse academic community.

NBGSA membership is open to graduate and undergraduate students, academicians, institutions, corporations and other groups and/or individuals who are interested in supporting students of African descent in the pursuit of graduate and professional educational excellence. The NBGSA does not discriminate or limit its membership to any individual or group based on race, creed, color, nationality, ability or sexual preference.