Exciting funding news for historically Black colleges and universities! Grants are rolling in to enhance education and opportunities for African American students.
This week, several historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) received significant grants aimed at bolstering education and workforce readiness in various fields. Among the most notable is a $1.98 million grant awarded to Prairie View A&M University in Texas. This funding, part of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund, will kickstart a workforce development initiative designed to prepare students for careers in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The program, driven by scholars from the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering in collaboration with the Texas A&M Semiconductor Institute, will offer students hands-on training in advanced semiconductor processes and design technologies relevant to modern chip manufacturing.
In addition to Prairie View A&M, the University of Houston’s department of African American studies secured a $200,000 donation from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. The majority of this generous donation will support the William Alexander Lawson Social Justice Endowed Scholarship, benefiting undergraduate students. The remaining funds will aid the EMERGE Leadership Academy, a transformative two-week summer program that equips high school juniors and seniors with vital academic, professional, and leadership skills.
Meanwhile, Florida A&M University has been awarded a two-year, $321,000 subaward as part of an Office of Naval Research initiative aimed at cultivating a diverse STEM workforce. This funding is part of a larger $9.8 million grant awarded to Purdue University’s ONR Blue Integrated Partnership program. At FAMU, the funds will be directed towards student research in geospatial science, nearshore mapping, and AI-enabled marine sensing, preparing students for critical roles in addressing environmental and national security challenges.
Lastly, Bowie State University in Maryland received an impressive $6.5 million unrestricted gift from Elior Collegiate Dining. This donation is set to enhance the student experience and contribute to campus modernization efforts. The funds will be utilized for student scholarships, as well as renovating dining facilities and learning environments, ensuring that students thrive both academically and socially.
These substantial grants and donations reflect a growing commitment to enhancing education and career opportunities for African Americans, ensuring that HBCUs continue to play a pivotal role in shaping future leaders.
