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.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, has received a four-year $545,686 grant from the National Institute of Health to study the impact social media has on the health of Black women. The study seeks to determine how social media use that emphasizes physical appearance affects the diet and fitness habits of Generation Z Black/African American women. The grant program is under the direction of Kalynda C. Smith, an assistant professor of psychology at the university.
Historically Black Virginia State University will receive a four-year $1.45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to assist students who are also parents with childcare costs. The funds will be used to offer student-parents access to affordable childcare services both on and off campus. The grant program is under the direction of Regina Barnett-Tyler, assistant vice president of student success and engagement.
Fort Valley State University, a historically Black educational institution in Georgia, received a $1,399,964 grant from the National Science Foundation for programs to help with recruitment, retention, and graduation in the university’s mathematics department. The grant program is under the direction of Shanah K. Grant, an assistant professor of mathematics at the university.
Historically Black Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, received a $2.7 million grant from the United States Economic Development to develop a cybersecurity and information technology training center in Geneva Hall on campus. The grant will be matched with $100,000 in state funds and is expected to create 100 jobs, retain 100 jobs, and generate $1 million in private investment.
Delaware State University, a historically Black educational institution, received a three-year, $973,923 research grant from the National Science Foundation to support a neuroscience research project that will focus on the brain chemical acetylcholine, which plays a critical role in the control of how we learn and remember. A defect in acetylcholine’s regulation has been associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. The research is under the direction of Hakeem Lawal, a professor of biology at the university.
