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Education & Students

Memphis rapper GloRilla, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods, has funded a new tech-enabled media center at her alma mater, Melrose High School.  On December 18, 2024, the Memphis native donated $25,000 to fund the creation of a modern, tech-enabled media center.  This space, which will serve students and the surrounding Orange Mound community, will be named the Gloria H. Woods Media Center in her honor. “The fact that I have the ability to do it now warms my heart,” GloRilla said during her visit. A Media Hub for Literacy and Learning

Los Angeles-based moms Dr. Anndretta Lyle and Stacy Kirk, both leaders in education and technology, have joined forces to create Thrive Culture Box, an innovative subscription service for families with children aged four and up.  Designed to celebrate and explore Black culture, the service provides monthly activity kits that combine hands-on learning with interactive digital lessons.  Each box features engaging tools and materials, along with instructional videos that guide families in discovering Black history, achievements, and creativity. The Thrive Culture Box The debut series of Thrive Culture Box spotlights Black

John Hope Bryant, CEO of Bryant Ventures and Operation HOPE, has donated $1.8 million to support the entrepreneurial ambitions of 70 Albany State University (ASU) graduates.  Each recipient will receive $25,000 and extensive business resources to launch their ventures. $1.8M Grant to Boost Black Entrepreneurship The selected graduates will receive financial backing and also a “special forces team” offering tools like free domain names, Shopify accounts, and access to legal and financial experts. ““They get a free domain name that they own, a free website that they own, a free

Operation HOPE and Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business has announced the launch of the AI Literacy Pipeline to Prosperity Project (AILP3).  This initiative aims to equip underserved populations across Georgia with the tools needed to succeed in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI).  The announcement was made during the 10th Annual Hope Global Forums on December 11, 2024, an event dedicated to financial empowerment and creating pathways to economic mobility. A Comprehensive Plan to Equip Students for an AI Economy AILP3 will deliver a

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has made history by securing a $1 million grant from Google to establish the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research.  HBCU Makes History This marks the first artificial intelligence-focused institute at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). “This is a huge day,” said Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton, according to CBS17. The institute will prioritize workforce development and promote equity in AI, ensuring students are well-prepared to lead in a rapidly advancing field. Preparing Students for the Future of AI Scheduled to

Grammy-winning artist Usher is giving back to the Atlanta community with the launch of a new initiative aimed at empowering young creatives, as first reported by Billboard. Usher Opens Content Studio In Atlanta On December 9, the R&B icon officially opened the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab, a content studio located at the Whitehead Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta. The studio launch featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marks the start of a broader program to create creativity and innovation among local youth.  The studio offers 14-to 24-year-olds hands-on experience

Howard University PhD candidate Howard Prioleau has become the first student from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) selected for the prestigious Google PhD Fellowship. The program supports exceptional graduate students advancing innovative research in computer science and related fields. Prioleau’s research focuses on using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to improve healthcare outcomes.  A Passion Ignited Early Prioleau’s interest in technology dates back to childhood, inspired by early encounters with Google’s innovations, according to a press release. A defining moment came when he accidentally installed ransomware on his family’s

Howard University has announced a record-breaking 36,000 applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, marking an unprecedented surge in interest, as first reported by Bloomberg.  This trend mirrors a broader revival for historically Black colleges and universities, with more students seeking out schools that affirm their cultural identity while offering academic rigor. HBCUs See a Renaissance HBCUs are experiencing a significant surge in applications and enrollments after years of decline that mirrored national trends. Schools like Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Morgan State University reporting record numbers of applicants. Spelman, for

Three former Duolingo executives have secured $13 million in seed funding to launch a startup aimed at making college more accessible, as first reported by TechCrunch. The funding round, led by Khosla Ventures, also saw participation from Karman Ventures, Latitud Ventures, Lightspeed Ventures, and several angel investors.  The funds will be directed toward hiring and product development for the initiative, which remains in stealth mode. A Mission Rooted in Personal Experience The team, which includes Jorge Mazal (CEO), Daniel Falabella (Chief Product Officer), and Gina Gotthilf (Chief Marketing Officer), is

Mielle Organics, a leader in textured hair care, has announced its first-ever partnership with an HBCU athletic program, which includes a WNBA-led mentorship program for student athletes. Mielle partners with Hampton University Mielle Organics has pledged $300,000 to Hampton University’s women’s basketball. The multi-year partnership includes a $200,000 donation to Hampton Athletics and a $100,000 endowed scholarship through Mielle Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm.  Additionally, Mielle is introducing a WNBA-led mentorship program, providing Hampton athletes with professional guidance both on and off the court. Investing in the Future of HBCU

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