Howard University, the historically Black educational institution in Washington, D.C., has entered into a partnership agreement with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in a program to increase the diversity of the next generation of business leaders.
The partnership will focus on four main programs. First, there is an internship program, which began in June of this year. Seven Howard students have been placed in departments at the U.S. Chamber based on their interests and academic majors. Also there will be an executive speaker series for business executives to address students and faculty at Howard University; a faculty and administration research program provided by the U.S. Chamber; and an innovation and entrepreneurship development program.
Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick stated that “Howard’s partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce creates a uniquely tailored opportunity for our scholars to interact with the world’s largest business organization and gain real-world experience working with professionals in the areas of public policy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, to name a few. We look forward to fortifying a long relationship with the Chamber to create a more diverse, equipped pipeline of young business leaders.”
U.S. Chamber Senior Executive Vice President Suzanne P. Clark added that “diversity adds a wide range of perspectives, ideas, and talents to all aspects of our lives, and we believe it is important to mirror this in the workplace. This partnership is the first step of many to help grow the next generation of entrepreneurs, and we look forward to working together to develop a talented pipeline of individuals to be the future of business.”
