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.
Historically Black Florida A&M University has received a grant for $371,948 to collaborate with the Florida Department of Health in its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed), a service provided by the United States Department of Agriculture that offers nutrition guidance to teach families how to create budget-conscious, healthy meals. The grant will be under the direction of Jenelle N. Robinson, an associate professor of nutrition in the food science program.
Spelman College, a historically Black educational institution for women in Atlanta, received a $1 million donation from Zynga, a global leader in interactive entertainment. The donation will fund scholarships for Spelman College students. In addition to scholarships, the gift will also fund the Zynga Gaming Lab, housed within the Spelman Innovation Lab. The Gaming Lab will guide students through the process of creating game theory, design, and development through immersive storytelling, 3D modeling, and other aspects of interactive media.
Historically Black South Carolina State University received a two-year, $229,706 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a nuclear physics research program at the university. The grant will enable the university to equip a research laboratory in nuclear physics and to provide research funding for faculty and students.
Livingstone College, a historically Black educational institution in Salisbury, North Carolina, has received a $2.24 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the largest single grant received in the history of the college. The grant will fund a program that aims to increase the retention, persistence, and graduation rates of students in STEM disciplines at the college. Funds will also be used to provide research opportunities for Livingstone students.
Historically Black Miles College in Fairfield, Alabama, received a $250,000 grant from the Regions Foundation for scholarships and financial aid programs. The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit initiative that is primarily funded by Regions Bank. The grant will not only support current students, but also students who previously attended Miles College and wish to return, but still have unpaid student balances.
Johnson C. Smith University, the historically Black educational institution in Charlotte, received a $750,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase. The Career Pathways Grant will enable the university to help students interested in financial services careers through work-based learning and postgraduate job placement services.
