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.
Nissan has donated a total of $250,000 to seven HBCUs in Mississippi to advance student engagement and learning in STEM fields. The institutions benefiting from Nissan’s donation are Alcorn State University, Coahoma Community College, Hinds Community College-Utica, Jackson State University, Mississippi Valley State University, Rust College, and Tougaloo College.
Bowie State University in Maryland has received a $2.2 million grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission to increase the HBCU’s total number of doctoral faculty members in nursing. The grant aims to have 20 students enrolled in the nursing Ph.D. program by 2029, ultimately leading to more nurse educators in the state who can contribute to the ongoing development of the nursing workforce.
Ashley James, program leader of agricultural and natural resources at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, has received over $1.5 million in funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service to connect local farmers with the fast-growing forest carbon marketplace. Farmers who participate in the the HBCU’s grant project will receive personalized forest management plans and guidance on how to earn income for managing their forests in ways that store carbon and help combat climate change.
Historically Black Dillard University in New Orleans, has been awarded a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish “Vision Quest,” an initiative to deepen children’s faith experiences through worship and prayer. The new program will collaborate with local congregations to develop worship experiences, provide training and resources for faith leaders, and host community-based events.
Historically Black Texas Southern University has established the William A. Lawson Endowment, a scholarship fund to support students pursuing degrees in political science, theology, psychology, sociology, or education. The endowment was made possible by an initial $200,000 gift from the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and a $200,000 matching contribution from Texas Southern’s Office of Civil Rights.
