Notebooks designed for HBCU students released by Black woman author
By Sheyla Fairley
Best-selling author B.M. Hardin, who has published over 30 books, has released a line of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU)-themed composition notebooks.
As stated in a release, Hardin believes that “stationary products with Black faces will promote inclusivity and self-love among her target demographic, and maybe even help inspire more Black writers. In addition to the notebooks, she is also looking to create a line of coloring books and journals created specifically for the Black community.”
“The why is simple for me. Black people are thriving, and we deserve to see our faces on any and everything that matters. I intend to make sure this generation, and the generations to come, are able to look at journals, coloring books, and books and see people who look like them,” Hardin explained.
‘PROPEL Learn’ app launched for HBCU students
By Sheyla Fairley
According to an article, the PROPEL Center, the first innovation hub made to create opportunities for students at historically Black colleges and universities, has announced the launch of PROPEL Learn, “a student-focused app designed to revolutionize the way HBCU students prepare for future job success.”
“PROPEL Learn is a pioneering app that empowers HBCU students with the latest technological innovations, shaping the future of our workforce. Our unique approach of co-developing micro-credentials with industry partners and HBCU faculty ensures an unparalleled learning experience for the entire ecosystem of learners,” said Dr. Camesha Whittaker, senior vice president of Innovation and Design at PROPEL. “With the ability to reach nearly 300,000 students, PROPEL Learn leaves no institution behind. It is the ultimate solution for advanced engagement, upskilling, and an indispensable companion to all HBCU institutional offerings.”
For more information, read the full article here.
American actress Issa Rae and delivery service Shipt work with Howard students to create ad campaign
By Sheyla Fairley
Howard University, Washington, DC, juniors Avery Harrell, Serenity Owens, Gavin Kelley and sophomore Kayla Collins participated in a mentorship program by Shipt, a delivery service owned by Target, where they produced a 30-second spot highlighting Shipt’s new $4.99 monthly membership program, offering college students nationwide the convenience of same-day delivery with college budgets in mind.
According to an article, the four interns spent 12 weeks working alongside actress, writer and producer Issa Rae, Shipt’s chief marketing officer Alia Kemet, and other industry experts to “conceptualize, film, edit and even act in the ad campaign.”
“As an artist and advocate, championing underrepresented voices has been a driving force in my career. Collaborating with Shipt on this inspired and personal journey deepens that passion,” Rae said. “Witnessing the dedication and brilliance of these talented students as they create something truly.”
For more details, read the full article here.
Free training program launched by edX and Drake State to provide pathways for adult learners
By Sheyla Fairley
As stated in a release, edX, a global online learning platform, has partnered with J.F. Drake State Community and Technical College, Huntsville, AL, and Jobs for the Future (JFF) to launch “a new Access Partnership to provide adult learners in the Huntsville, Alabama area with access to no cost, fully online boot camp programs in cybersecurity and data analytics,” with funding provided by the Truist Foundation.
Beginning in November 2023, the program will be offered to 60 learners with “30 seats open in the cybersecurity boot camp and 30 in the data analytics boot camp” and, upon completion, will “receive college credit that can be applied toward an associate’s degree at Drake State.”
“Drake State has long been committed to offering flexible, affordable technical degrees and customized skills training to support and enhance the lives of our workforce and the health of our industries across North Alabama,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State. “Our new Access Partnership with edX will help us continue to meet workforce demands by preparing highly-skilled workers to take on roles in Huntsville’s unique blend of space and defense industries, biotechnology, healthcare, and high-tech manufacturing.”
Morgan State to join a national consortium to ensure transportation safety and sustainability
By Sheyla Fairley
In partnership with Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, will lead a national consortium that will receive $20 million over the next five years from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to establish Safety21, a new University Transportation Center (UTC).
According to an article, Morgan State will receive “$1.5 million to research where and how landslides may occur along the highways and roads using geomechanics analysis and artificial intelligence/machine learning methodologies” for their part in the research effort.
“Under the leadership of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), UTC Safety21 provides a unique opportunity for Morgan faculty to incorporate geohazard prevention and AI/Machine Learning in ensuring the safety of transportation systems from different perspectives,” said Jiang Li, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and professor of civil engineering. “It also helps us enhance our partnership with CMU and other participating institutes within the consortium and beyond as well as stakeholders within the region in future workforce development and faculty development.”
Read the full article, here.
