14-year-old gets full ride to HBCU after walking two hours for 8th grade graduation
By Sheyla Fairley
After finding out his grandfather’s car had broken down, 14-year-old Xavier Jones decided to walk six miles with his brother and a friend from his house to Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis, MO, where his 8th-grade graduation was being held and arrived on time to receive his diploma.
According to an article, Dr. Latonia Collins Smith, president of Harris-Stowe, was so moved “after learning about the extent to which Jones went in order to attend his graduation that [she] gave him a full-ride scholarship to the HBCU when he graduates from high school in four years.”
“I just led with my heart and I followed my heart, and my heart said, ‘This is a kid that needs a scholarship,’” said Collins Smith, noting that Jones’ story serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward even on your worst day.
For more information, read the full article here.
UPS launches grant to support HBCU designers
By Sheyla Fairley
United Parcel Service (UPS), the global shipping company, and IMG have formed a partnership to launch the NYFW: The Shows Small Business Grant, a program that aims to provide funding to three designers from HBCUs looking to produce a fashion show during New York Fashion Week (NYFW) this fall.
“This program is designed to give Black creators a platform to grow their businesses…HBCUs are an institution for cultivating Black excellence and Black culture. They build communities, foster creativity and develop the next generation of entrepreneurs. The goal of the program is to strengthen the pipeline of Black creatives coming out of HBCUs and support them in finding success…Major fashion houses start out as small businesses…By helping these entrepreneurs and designers make their mark on a global stage, we are empowering them with the access and visibility they need to grow their brands. UPS knows that small businesses are cultural elevators and the backbone of the fashion industry, so we look forward to celebrating them,” said Kevin Warren, executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer at UPS.
For more details, read the full article here.
The Historic Fund names Virginia State University as a participating HBCU to receive a portion of the $10.35M fund
By Sheyla Fairley
Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA, has been announced as an HBCU partner to receive funds from the Historic Fund, a venture capital fund that launched a $10.35 million investment to support the growth of endowments of historically Black colleges and universities.
As stated in a release, the Historic Fund hopes to “leverage its position at the intersection of the HBCU and the venture capital communities to develop programming that expands opportunities for students curious about entrepreneurship and innovation while supporting administrations exploring alternative asset class strategies with their endowments.”
“We always appreciate the people and companies that recognize the value of what we do at Virginia State University. This investment represents an interest in the advancement of the HBCUs that consistently provide minorities with the access and opportunity to achieve their Greater,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah.
CMHA and CGI Federal partner with Central State University to create internship program
By Sheyla Fairley
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) has partnered with CGI Federal to create a student internship program with Central State University, Wilberforce, OH.
According to an article, interns will be given “the opportunity to make a direct impact on a broad range of programs within the Columbus community.” CSU students who participate in the internship will “receive hands-on experience working alongside industry leaders on a variety of projects related to affordable housing,” and will be able to “live and work in the community they are serving” since the program is designed to be immersive.
“This partnership between CMHA and CGI will allow CSU students to have a first-hand view of the affordable housing industry in Columbus, which will ultimately give the interns an opportunity to apply their classroom experience to industry challenges. This experience will prepare students with the transition from higher education into the workforce. This unique internship will provide an infusion of talent to CMHA, CGI, and the affordable housing industry,” said CMHA’s President & CEO, Charles D. Hillman.
Read the full article, here.
Xceleader collaborates with BetterHelp to provide free mental health support for HBCU students
By Sheyla Fairley
As stated in a release, Xceleader, a nonprofit organization created by three HBCU alumni “dedicated to supporting future leaders of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs),” has partnered with BetterHelp, an online mental health platform, to provide “200 students enrolled at HBCUs with 3-months of access to free counseling services.”
“We are excited to partner with BetterHelp to provide our students with access to high-quality mental health support,” said Xceleader Co-founder Aarian Forman. “We recognize the pressing need for mental health resources among the HBCU community, and this partnership will enable us to address this challenge more holistically. With BetterHelp’s support, we can give our students the resources and tools they need to thrive. We are eager to embark on this journey with BetterHelp and positively impact our students’ mental health.”
