Texas Southern University in Houston has announced a partnership deal with Verizon Inc. to encourage young Black males to pursue studies in STEM fields. The Verizon Minority Male Makers Program @ Texas Southern University is a two-year program designed to introduce male middle school students from underrepresented groups to the high-tech skills and concepts that will lead them to better career opportunities.
Under the new initiative, Texas Southern plans to bring 200 middle school boys to campus in four one-week sessions. Students participating in the program will get hands on experience with 3-D printing, coding, and application development.
John M. Rudley, president of Texas Southern University, stated that “this program, in partnership with Verizon, will widen TSU’s reach by bringing young Black men to our campus, making it clear that a college education and a better life is within their reach. We hope that this initiative will encourage them to pursue higher education, and hopefully, with a degree from Texas Southern.”