The Ford Foundation is committing more than $20 million to enhance the field of public interest technology. This initiative includes up to $1.5 million specifically earmarked for the establishment of a pioneering public interest technology institute at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Advancing Technology for Public Good The invesment was announced as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to advance a diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem at an event by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). As well as celebratinh the vital role of
The National Park Service (NPS) has awarded $10.67 million to 15 projects across eight states under the Historic Preservation Fund’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) grant program. This initiative is dedicated to repairing historic structures on HBCU campuses, ensuring that the sites are preserved for future generations. Preserving Historic HBCU Landmarks The grants will support the restoration of several significant buildings, such as Simmons College’s Steward Hall, Delaware State University’s Hope House, and Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s Melrose Cottage. Simmons College, the only private HBCU in Kentucky, will use
NASA has awarded $1.2 million to 23 minority-serving institutions (MSIs), including Spelman College, Fayetteville State University, Hampton University, and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. This funding aims to enhance their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), research and technology capabilities while contributing to NASA’s missions. Advancing STEM at Minority-Serving Institutions The awards are part of NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Partnership Learning Annual Notification (MPLAN) initiative. Each selected institution will receive up to $50,000 over six months, allowing them to work directly on STEM projects
South Carolina State University (SC State), the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in the state, has secured an $8 million allocation from the state. The funding aims to enhance its Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) research and workforce development initiatives in partnership with Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). This funding marks a milestone for the university’s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Transportation (STEM-T College). A Historic Investment in STEM This $8 million is part of an initial $40 million state proviso designed to support various
Morehouse College is launching what is reportedly the world’s first fully spacial AI teaching assistants (TAs). After launching their Metaversity in 2021, Morehouse is taking the next step in technology-based learning. AI Teaching Assistants Muhsinah Morris, a senior assistant professor in education and metaversity director at Morehouse, pioneered the technology in Spring 2021 with faculty assistance. She will now teach a class this fall with a spatial 3D AI TA. Students can expect to receive support from the AI TAs, who will manage assessments and office hours, ensure 24/7 access,
In an initiative to empower Black creatives, Apple has partnered with the Propel Center to launch an arts and entertainment industry accelerator program. This program provides 50 students from 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) opportunities to enhance their creative skills and explore new career pathways. Program Overview: Empowering Future Creatives The accelerator program, which is part of Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), commenced on June 10 at Tennessee State University and will conclude at Clark Atlanta University. “Creativity is central to everything we do at Apple,
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) has received a $5 million gift from Autodesk Inc., the global leader in software for the Design and Make industries. According to their press release, this marks the largest unrestricted philanthropic donation in the college’s history. A $5M Gift From Autodesk The new funding will support the College of Engineering and Architecture Design and Make Lab, which will provide software, state-of-the-art equipment, and educators who will empower future engineers. “We are immensely grateful for Autodesk’s gift to Howard’s College of Engineering and
Florida A&M University (FAMU) will expand its academic offerings with the addition of new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering beginning in fall 2025. This move, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat, includes a master’s and a PhD program through the FAMU’s joint college with Florida State University (FSU). The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, situated in Innovation Park, is the only shared engineering school in the nation. Currently, it offers an Aerodynamics Certificate through an online graduate certificate program. The introduction of the aerospace engineering graduate
PROPEL has announced the establishment of the PROPEL HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium (HCC), in partnership with Southern Company, Led by Dr Lisa Herring, the former superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, PROPEL is a first-of-its-kind innovation hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Strengthening Industry-Academia Collaboration PROPEL’s new HCC incorporates four key elements: a resource hub, professional development programs, accelerated learning opportunities, and a workforce pipeline. By providing HBCU students and faculty with access to the latest industry trends, technologies, and real-world projects, the consortium aims to create an educational environment that
Leading software company Sage has contributed $100,000 to Morehouse College, supporting a new course for the next generation of Black tech entrepreneurs. Cultivating Future Leaders through Micropreneurship Morehouse College, the nation’s only historically Black liberal arts institution for men, and Sage have joined together to address the underrepresentation of Black professionals in technology. With only 8% of tech workers and 3% of executives being Black, this new course will commence in Fall 2024 to help change the statistics. The 15-week Micropreneurship course, funded by a $100,000 donation from Sage, is designed to immerse students in
