Here is this week’s news of grants or gifts to historically Black colleges and universities or for programs of particular interest to African Americans in higher education.
The McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University has received a three-year research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to study the effectiveness of a novel treatment intervention for keeping Black adolescents engaged in depression treatment. The rates of engagement and completion of depression treatments are lower for Black teens than for White teens, in part due to negative perceptions about services and providers, and as well as a reluctance to admit symptoms. This new grant project will address barriers to engagement in African-American youth and their caregivers.
Historically Black Fort Valley State University in Georgia has received a $1 million grant from the U.S> Department of Health and Human Services to fund the Protective Resources for Inclusion, Dignity, & Equity (PRIDE Navigator) Program. The project, directed at 13-24 year olds and minority males, has resulted in the establishment of Just Open Yourself (JOY), the university’s first gay-straight alliance. Additionally, the effort has led to engagement with local high schools, area Boys and Girls Clubs, health centers, and transitional homes through an established university off-site location in Bibb County, Georgia.
The Carolina Small Business Development Fund has been awarded a $2.8 million grant through the Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital program to support economic development through its growing partnerships with the state’s historically Black colleges and universities. The initiative will provide small businesses with coaching and access to flexible loans geared towards African-American entrepreneurs.
