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 $250,000 to seven HBCUs in Mississippi as part of the car manufacturer’s Mississippi HBCU STEM Initiative. The program aims to advance STEM education and advance the technology workforce of the future. The HBCUs who will benefit 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.
Historically Black Tuskegee University in Alabama recently received a $500,000 gift from alumnus Wendell Codner to support the HBCU’s College of Agriculture, Environment, and Nutritional Sciences and College of Veterinary Medicine. Before beginning his career in agricultural science, Codner earned his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Tuskegee.
The School of Education at historically Black North Carolina Central University was awarded a $2.3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to support graduate students pursuing careers as professional counselors, counselor educators, and clinical supervisors. More than half of the new funds will provide $25,000 stipends to subsidize students’ fieldwork in primary care, school, and telehealth settings in underserved communities. The remaining portion of the grant will be used for faculty and student training opportunities, course enhancements, and administration of the grant.
The Lloyd College of Health, Science, and Technology at historically Black Fayetteville State University in North Carolina has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to advance student success and retention in STEM disciplines. Over the next six years, 30 students pursuing bachelor’s degrees in biology, forensic science, mathematics, computer science, or cyber security will receive scholarships averaging $15,000 per year. Scholars will also receive hands-on research experience, professional development training, and networking opportunities.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has received a $5 million donation from the Windgate Foundation, marking the largest single investment in the HBCU’s history. The gift will be used to renovate the Hathaway-Howard Fine Arts Center for the first time in more than 30 years. The renovation will include a new Art Tower, featuring expanded classrooms and studio spaces, as well as modernized facilities to support enrollment growth and creative innovation.
