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 School of Divinity at historically Black Howard University has received a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to develop resources and initiatives aimed at supporting theological leaders and Black congregations. The funds will go towards expanding an online educational hub for congregations and clergy, launching a podcast centered on African American preaching, establishing an annual preaching symposium, developing an alumni mentoring program, and creating two non-degree certificate programs in African American preaching.
Historically Black Jackson State University in Mississippi has received a Science Mission Directorate Bridge Program grant from the National Aeronautic and Space Administration. The project will provide undergraduate and high school students with research and training opportunities in the field of next-generation polymer-nanocomposites for energy storage.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has received a $560,000 research grant to study the effects of the herpes simple virus on brain neurons. According to Victor Hsia, the project’s lead researcher and professor within the historically Black university’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, the research project will also investigate methods to dispel common misconceptions about the virus and how it spreads.
Kean University in Union, New Jersey, has been awarded an $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to increase diversity in computer sciences. The project will focus on teaching Kean University students how to design software that is accessible to more people.
The California Endowment has awarded $3 million to historically Black Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. The funds will go towards improving core operating capabilities in the university’s College of Medicine, as well as constructing a new health professions education building.
Historically Black Hampton University in Virginia has partnered with the Public Service Education Institute to establish a $500,000 endowed fund to support internships for students within federal, state, and local government agencies. Students who are supported by the new endowed fund will receive up to $5,000 to help cover expenses during their internship experiences.
John Stallworth, former player for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has gifted over $1.2 million to his alma mater, historically Black Alabama A&M University. His gift with establish the John and Flo Stallworth Endowed Scholarship fund aimed at supporting tuition costs for students.
