Here are this week’s grants and gifts to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Morgan State University — $1.05 Million
The National FinTech Center at historically Black Morgan State University in Baltimore has received a $1.05 million grant from Ripple, a blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions company. The three-year grant will support the center’s educational efforts and research into blockchain and financial technology.
Morehouse College — $1 Million
Morehouse College, the all-men’s historically Black college in Atlanta, was awarded a $1 million grant from Google to establish the Google Annex tech hub. The funds were used to transform an old classroom into a learning center with state-of-the-art technology. Starting in the upcoming fall semester, the hub will provide students with opportunities to study various computer science topics such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Florida A&M University — $800,000
Natalie Arnett, associate professor of chemical and biomedical engineering at historically Black Florida A&M University, has received an $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to establish a collaborative partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. The program aims to increase the number of African American students pursuing graduate degrees in STEM fields by providing pathway opportunities for Florida A&M University students to attend Virginia Tech upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.
Delaware State University — $198,000
Hakeem Lawl, professor of biological sciences at historically Black Delaware State University, and a team of researchers from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia have received a $198,000 grant from the National Institute of Health to establish a program aimed at training African American students to become leading scientists in Alzheimer’s disease research and treatment.
The program will provide students from historically Black colleges and universities with opportunities for research training at Delaware State University, followed by clinical training opportunities at Thomas Jefferson University. The National Science Foundation awarded Dr. Lawl an additional $419,001 grant to fund undergraduate research endeavors in cellular and molecular biology.
Virginia Union University — $300,000
Historically Black Virginia Union University has received a $300,000 donation from Wegmans Food Markets, a regional supermarket chain. The gift will be used to establish student scholarships, aimed at increasing students’ access to higher education. Additionally, the supermarket chain plans to provide externship opportunities for Virginia Union University students in the future.
Congratulations to all the HBCUs for these outstanding contributions!