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 Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, received a $1,265,000 grant from the Louisiana Public Service Commission. The funds will be used to bring lighting at A.W. Mumford Stadium up to energy efficiency standards. The funding aims to decrease energy consumption, lower costs, promote sustainability, minimize emissions, and enhance the overall game day experience.
Researchers at the University of Nebraska and Virginia Tech received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for programs to boost diversity in ornithology. The researchers are teaming up with the American Ornithological Society, the Wilson Ornithological Society, and the Association of Field Ornithologists to develop identity-based “flocks.” These affinity groups are aimed at supporting members of historically excluded groups, amplifying their voices, and empowering them within a culture of ornithology where they may not have always felt welcome.
Historically Black Grambling State University in Louisiana received a $100,000 grant from Hunt Forest Products that will fund an endowment for scholarships for students enrolled full-time at Grambling State, who are in good academic standing and are majoring in either engineering technology, computer science, accounting, or management. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale and have financial need.
Wayne State University in Detroit has received a two-year, $250,000 award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute for a program to increase the participation of Detroit’s older minority population in research projects. The project leaders believe minority representation in research is critical, however, to better understand the health disparities that put older African Americans at higher risk of hypertension, heart disease, certain cancers, and other health problems. The project is entitled “Bridging the Divide: Fostering Partnerships for Urban African American Aging Research.”
