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 Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, will receive a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service to continue its rehabilitation efforts on historic Morgan Hall, which was built in 1895. The primary goal is to architecturally and structurally preserve the historic resource by mitigating the threat of water infiltration. The objective is to refurbish the close to 50 windows located throughout the building.
Ohio State University received three grants totaling $4.7 million over five years to support Upward Bound programs at three of its campuses. Serving high school students from low-income families and families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree, the programs are designed to inspire students to take a proactive role in education and excel far beyond their idealized potential. The funds will support financial literacy programs, test preparation training, social experiences, and a six-week summer academic program.
A 2019 Gardner Institute study found that the percentage of Black students in first-year general chemistry classes who failed or withdrew was 47.2 percent, compared with 26.3 percent of their White peers. Arizona State University and Carnegie Mellon University received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop chemistry courseware that prioritizes equity in order to boost the retention of Black students in chemistry.
Historically Black Alcorn State University in Mississippi received a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to prepare area high school students for the transition to college. The grant will fund summer academic and cultural enrichment programs as well as counseling services.
Historically Black Delaware State Univerity received a $1 million federal grant to establish a Center for Urban Revitalization and Entrepreneurship in downtown Dover, Delaware. The center will promote entrepreneurship and community development in Central Dover in partnership with NCALL, a nonprofit organization that promotes affordable housing.
