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HBCUs are making great progress towards net-zero emissions and promoting diversity in clean energy

HBCUs are making great progress towards net-zero emissions and promoting diversity in clean energy

Historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are at the forefront of progress in achieving net-zero emissions and promoting diversity in clean energy. The Department of Energy’s Office of Policy reported over 7.8 million energy jobs in the US in 2021. Recognizing the need to support HBCUs in clean energy research, Dominion Energy pledged $25 million, while the Department of Energy (DOE) funded HBCUs for biofuel and solar-plus-storage projects (Photo contributor: Scharfsinn, Shutterstock.com).

To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in energy research, teams have received awards, and the DOE plans to invest in solar and nuclear energy, energy storage, carbon capture, and efficient use of minerals through funding opportunities.

In a significant development, Howard University became the first HBCU to join the governing alliance board of directors for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in May 2023. This collaboration creates opportunities for underrepresented students to pursue careers in renewable energy.

The DOE also announced the HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize worth $7.75 million. This initiative encourages HBCU institutions to develop programs that increase K-12 and community college students’ participation in STEM fields related to clean energy.

The goal is to expand clean energy education for younger generations and establish partnerships that lead to clean energy career opportunities. Over 100 HBCU institutions across the US are eligible to compete in one or both prize tracks.

The DOE has formed partnerships with more than 100 HBCUs and minority-serving institutions to address racial disparities in energy systems and research. Their efforts have earned recognition from 15 ABET-accredited HBCU engineering schools as one of the top 5 government agencies supporting HBCUs in 2023.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has established the Center for Electrochemical Dynamics and Reactions on Surfaces (CEDARS) to focus on clean energy initiatives. CEDARS will explore technologies such as hydrogen and oxygen separation from water to create clean hydrogen for energy use.

CEDARS, funded by a four-year $10.35 million DOE grant, represents an interdisciplinary effort. It is the only HBCU among the 43 universities and national laboratories to receive over $400 million in Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRC) funding.

With the university’s $23 million Steps4Growth clean energy workforce training award and the recent grant, the center aims to create a net-zero emissions economy and promote diversity in clean energy.

The burning of fossil fuels has resulted in rising global temperatures, leading to climate change risks and extreme weather events. The Deep South Center for Environmental Justice (DSCEJ) has been actively engaged in community-focused efforts over the past two years.

DSCEJ empowers communities historically impacted by environmental racism and promotes community-led solutions to address the climate crisis while prioritizing ecological justice. Through philanthropic funding and engagements with federal, state, and local lawmakers, DSCEJ has made significant progress.

Dr. Beverly Wright, the executive director and founder of DSCEJ, was appointed to the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council by the Biden Administration in 2021. In this role, she provided recommendations on addressing environmental injustice to the White House Environmental Justice Interagency Council (IAC) and the Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). This appointment provided a platform to ensure that environmental justice communities’ priorities were addressed in Washington.

The Biden Administration’s commitment to environmental justice began with the announcement of Justice40, ensuring that historically disadvantaged communities receive 40% of federal investments in clean energy solutions.

DSCEJ actively engaged with the administration, including organizing a “toxic tour” throughout Cancer Alley, drawing attention to the devastating effects of living near highly polluting industries. EPA Administrator Michael Regan participated in the immersive tour, and the EPA issued enforcement actions to address air pollution, unsafe drinking water, and other issues.

In September 2022, the EPA announced the establishment of the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights. This office aims to advance environmental justice by enforcing civil rights laws in overburdened communities and providing new grants and technical assistance.

HBCUs are playing a crucial role in driving progress towards net-zero emissions and advocating for diversity in clean energy. With continued support and collaboration, these institutions are paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.

 

#HBCUs #CleanEnergy #NetZeroEmissions #DiversityInEnergy #EnvironmentalJustice #RenewableEnergy #STEMEducation #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #EnergyResearch #EquityInEnergy #CleanEnergyInitiatives #CommunityEmpowerment #EnvironmentalEquity #ClimateJustice #HBCUPride #CleanEnergyLeadership

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Lynn Thompson Inducted into NACDA Hall of Fame

Lynn Thompson Inducted into NACDA Hall of Fame

We are thrilled to announce that Lynn Thompson, former Director of Athletics at B-CU, has been honored as a Hall of Famer by the National Association of College Directors of Athletics (NACDA). This prestigious recognition solidifies his remarkable administrative career and establishes him as the only HBCU AD in the NACDA Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony took place at the 58th NACDA convention held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, where Thompson was celebrated among his peers. NACDA, the leading authority in athletics director collaboration worldwide, consists of 22,000 college athletics administrators representing more than 2,200 institutions throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Thompson follows in the footsteps of three legendary figures who were previously honored by NACDA: Nelson Townsend, Walter Reed, and Dennis Thomas. These trailblazers have left an indelible mark on HBCU athletics and the broader sports community.

A Daytona Beach native and former B-CU athlete, Thompson became the youngest athletics director in B-CU history at the age of 31. He dedicated 30 years of his career to B-CU Athletics, ultimately rising to the position of Vice President of Athletics. Thompson’s leadership and vision transformed the program, securing an impressive 71 championships, including 54 in the MEAC.

Surrounded by his family and esteemed colleagues, including Sandra Booker and Michael Stambaugh, Thompson expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey. He humbly acknowledged the giants who had paved the way for him and emphasized the significance of representing Bethune-Cookman University, the MEAC, and all historically black colleges and universities.

Thompson’s co-workers, Sandra Booker and Cesley Tafoya, shared their joy in celebrating this momentous achievement. They praised Thompson’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the B-CU community, highlighting the family atmosphere that permeated the university.

The significance of Thompson’s impact was further underscored by the presence of supporters from arch-rival FAMU. Joe Bullard, the voice of the FAMU Marching “100,” and Marvin Green, former FAMU Associate Athletics Director, made the trip to Orlando to honor Thompson’s accomplishments. Their presence spoke volumes about the respect and admiration Thompson has earned throughout his career.

Since his departure from B-CU, Thompson has continued to contribute to the world of sports as a consultant for the MEAC. Additionally, he has reignited his passion for writing, with his works receiving critical acclaim and gaining attention in various cities. While his focus has shifted, Thompson’s dedication to excellence remains unwavering.

Thompson’s induction into the NACDA Hall of Fame serves as a testament to his unparalleled achievements and his enduring legacy in HBCU athletics. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Lynn Thompson on this well-deserved honor.

 

#HBCU #HallOfFame #NACDA #Athletics #Achievements #Leadership #ProudMoment #Legacy #Excellence #Gratitude #SportsCommunity #BCCU #MEAC

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AI Can Be Biased: Ensuring Equitable AI for All

AI Can Be Biased : Ensuring Equitable AI for All

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to shape a more equitable future for everyone, but there is a significant flaw that deserves our attention. Many AI tools inadvertently perpetuate or even amplify the biases of their mostly white male creators. This leads to the repetition of mistakes and judgments, allowing racism and discrimination to persist in our society. It is crucial that we address these algorithmic biases and work towards creating AI systems that work for everyone.

Examples of Harmful AI Bias
There are sobering examples that highlight the harm caused by biased AI systems. For instance, facial recognition algorithms used worldwide failed to detect Black faces, forcing individuals like Joy Buolamwini to wear a white mask to be recognized by the technology. Similarly, Twitter’s image-cropping tool consistently favored white faces, and AI robots trained on vast image datasets perpetuated stereotypes by identifying women as “homemakers” and people of color as “criminals” or “janitors.”

Real-world Implications
These algorithmic biases have serious implications for people of color. Algorithms are now utilized in determining credit scores, evaluating job candidates, making college admissions decisions, predicting crime rates, influencing court bail and sentencing, and even guiding medical treatments. If these algorithms have learned racism along the way, they will perpetuate it, further exacerbating existing inequalities.

Addressing the Problem
It is important to recognize that Artificial Intelligence itself is not designed to be racist; it learns from the data and patterns it is exposed to. The key lies in the training process. Too often, algorithms are trained on incomplete or biased data, leading to unintentionally racist outcomes. To overcome this, we must diversify both the researchers creating AI systems and the datasets used for training. By including a broader range of perspectives and experiences, we can help AI systems learn better habits and produce more equitable results.

Creating Equitable AI Systems
Joy Buolamwini, after experiencing the biases of AI, founded the Algorithmic Justice League, advocating for diversity among AI coders and the use of inclusive training sets. Seattle tech entrepreneur Luis Salazar launched AI for Social Progress (AI4SP.org) to promote the adoption of diverse training sets that mitigate bias in AI technologies. These initiatives highlight the importance of addressing bias in AI systems and working towards more inclusive and equitable outcomes.

Call to Action
Business leaders and philanthropists have a crucial role to play in supporting efforts to mitigate bias and evaluating the outcomes generated by AI systems for gender and racial bias. AI is reshaping our lives, and if we approach it with a commitment to equity, the future holds remarkable possibilities. It is imperative that we take concrete steps to eliminate systemic bias and racism from AI platforms before it’s too late. Together, let’s work towards making AI the dawn of an exciting new era for everyone, leaving behind the mistakes of the past.

 

Hashtags: #AI #Diversity #AIforEquity #AlgorithmicJustice #DiversityInTech #InclusiveAI

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Exploring the Metaverse: Unlocking New Possibilities in Education

Exploring the Metaverse: Unlocking New Possibilities in Education

The digital realm is rapidly evolving, and one concept that has been making waves is the metaverse. This immersive virtual environment holds immense potential, particularly in the realm of education. In this article, we will delve into the metaverse and its impact on education, highlighting the opportunities it presents for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Get ready to embark on a journey that explores the future of learning!

What is the Metaverse?
The metaverse is a virtual universe that combines elements of the physical and digital worlds. It is a dynamic and immersive environment where users can interact with each other and digital objects in real time. In the metaverse, individuals can explore, create, and engage in various activities, blurring the boundaries between reality and virtuality. It encompasses virtual reality, augmented reality, and other technologies that enable users to have rich and interactive experiences. The metaverse has the potential to revolutionize industries such as gaming, entertainment, social networking, and education, offering endless possibilities for collaboration, learning, and innovation.

The Metaverse and Education
In the realm of education, the metaverse holds transformative potential. It enables students to transcend physical limitations, providing access to a vast array of resources and experiences. Imagine studying marine biology by diving into virtual oceans or practicing architectural design in a virtual cityscape. The metaverse opens up endless possibilities for immersive, interactive, and engaging learning experiences.

The Power of the Metaverse in Education

  • Statistic: According to recent studies, over 70% of educational institutions have implemented or are planning to implement metaverse technologies in their curricula.
  • Engagement: Students engaged in metaverse-based learning show increased levels of motivation and active participation, leading to improved academic performance.
  • Access to Experts: The metaverse allows students to connect with experts and industry professionals from around the world, fostering mentorship and expanding their networks.
  • Real-world Simulations: By engaging in virtual simulations, students can gain practical skills and hands-on experience, preparing them for real-world challenges.
  • Inclusive Learning: The metaverse provides equal opportunities for learners of all backgrounds, breaking down barriers to access and promoting inclusivity in education.

 

FQ Metaversity: Bridging the Gap
At FocusQuest, we understand the importance of embracing cutting-edge technologies for educational advancement. That’s why we proudly introduce the FQ Metaversity, a dedicated section on our platform offering a curated selection of online programs and certificates. With FQ Metaversity, students from HBCUs can access high-quality education, network with industry professionals, and enhance their skills in a virtual learning environment.

As the metaverse continues to evolve, it presents exciting opportunities for the future of education. With the FQ Metaversity, we are committed to empowering students from HBCUs to thrive in this digital landscape. Join us on this educational revolution and unlock a world of knowledge and possibilities. Visit our FQ Metaversity page to explore our programs and embark on your journey towards success in the metaverse!

 

Hashtags: #MetaverseEducation #FutureOfLearning #FQMetaversity #OnlineEducation #HBCUStudents #HBCU

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5 Reasons to Boost Your Career with a Summer Course

5 Reasons to Boost Your Career with a Summer Course

Summer courses are the perfect opportunity to learn and improve your skills if you don’t have much free time during the rest of the year. They allow you to enhance your knowledge in a specific field, discover new areas of personal and professional interest, and broaden your skillset. Summer courses are characterized by their flexibility and short duration. You can attend them in-person, online, or in a hybrid format, and they usually last between one and four weeks, although they can also be just a few days long.

Moreover, the range of courses available is very diverse. You can choose from a variety of subjects such as languages, psychology, computer science, education, sports, personal well-being, the environment, communication, health, economics, art, and culture.

Here are 5 reasons why you should consider taking a summer course:

  1. Enhance your knowledge and skills: Summer courses can help you update your knowledge and acquire new skills. Lifelong learning is essential for anyone, and the short duration of summer courses allows you to focus on developing specific competencies and enriching your resume.
  2. Expand your network: Summer courses provide an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with other students, professors, and professionals, which can expand your network and potentially lead to future opportunities.
  3. Explore new areas of study: Summer courses offer the chance to learn new subjects, whether it’s to refresh your knowledge in a particular area, or explore a new field of interest.
  4. Choose from a wide range of topics: Universities, educational institutions, and associations offer a broad range of courses during the summer, making it possible to delve into any topic you find intriguing and perhaps even pursue further study in the future.
  5. Combine learning and leisure: You can also take summer courses for the pleasure of learning and exploring a topic of interest. Even if you think the course you choose won’t directly contribute to your professional growth, you can still acquire new skills that can be applied in both your professional and personal life.
    For some professions, such as teachers, summer courses taken at specific institutions can even count towards future public teaching positions.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that there are different scholarships and grants available to help finance summer courses.

So why not find the perfect summer course for you and invest in your personal and professional development? At FocusQuest, we understand the importance of continuous learning, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect summer course that fits your interests and goals. Our team of experts has carefully curated a selection of high-quality courses in various fields, such as data analysis, digital marketing, graphic design, and many more. Find here.

Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or a working professional, there is a course for you at FocusQuest. Let us help you find the perfect summer course and take the first step towards achieving your personal and professional goals.

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What Can You Learn from TED Talks?

What Can You Learn from TED Talks?

TED Talks are a series of online videos featuring thought-provoking talks from various experts in their fields. With over 3,000 talks available on the TED website, there is an endless amount of knowledge waiting to be discovered. In this article, we’ll explore what you can learn from TED Talks and why they are worth watching.

What Are TED Talks?
TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design, and was founded in 1984 as a conference for bringing together experts in these fields. In 2006, the first TED Talks were posted online, and the series has since grown into a massive platform for sharing knowledge and ideas. Today, TED Talks cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to art and music.

How Do TED Talks Impact Us?
TED Talks have the power to inspire, educate, and challenge our beliefs. They offer a unique opportunity to learn from experts in their respective fields, who share their knowledge, experiences, and insights in an engaging and accessible way. TED Talks can also help us expand our worldview by introducing us to new ideas and perspectives that we may not have considered before.

What Are the Benefits of Watching TED Talks?
There are several benefits to watching TED Talks. Firstly, they can help you learn something new or gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic. Secondly, TED Talks can help you stay informed on the latest research and trends in various fields. Finally, TED Talks can provide inspiration and motivation to pursue your own interests and goals.

Why Are TED Talks Great for Summer Learning?
Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to learn something new. TED Talks are a great way to learn during your free time, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or taking a break from your daily routine. With TED Talks, you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule, making them the perfect tool for summer learning.

How Can You Find the Best TED Talks?
With so many TED Talks available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Luckily, FocusQuest has a Resources Section dedicated to recommending TED Talks on various topics, making it easy to find talks that align with your interests. In this section, you can find a variety of talks, including those related to motivation, education, inclusion, and rights, among others.

In conclusion, TED Talks are an incredible resource for anyone looking to expand their knowledge and learn something new. With their diverse range of topics and engaging speakers, there is something for everyone. So why not take advantage of your summer break to explore the world of TED Talks and discover what you can learn?

Resources

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How Companies Can Effectively Recruit from HBCUs

How Companies Can Effectively Recruit from HBCUs

The number of job openings increased to 10.7 million in September of last year, up more than four percent from the month before, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Since January 2021, job openings have been steeply climbing. Companies not recruiting at HBCUs may be missing out on promising future employees.

Companies like Gilead Sciences, Novartis, Google, Microsoft and more have created recruiting pipelines with HBCUs over the past few years.

Biopharmaceutical giant Gilead is working to build specific, personal relationships with HBCUs to facilitate recruitment. The company uses employees as liaisons to build relationships with officials at the nine HBCUs it recruits from. These liaisons are sometimes alumni of the school who now work for Gilead. The HBCU officials can then recommend their star students for internships and fellowships.

For Microsoft, the big tech giant has enticed Morehouse students to panels of alumni talking about entry-level positions at the company and careers in tech with the quintessential college bait — free Chick-Fil-A and the chance to win an Xbox.

“[University recruiting] is about finding the best talent right out of the gate and kickstarting lifelong careers,” Portia Kibble Smith, head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Karat. “It also creates an opportunity to source candidates from more diverse talent pools.  There are many diamonds in the rough.” 

Karat conducts first-round interviews for tech companies and has worked with HBCU students. In October, Karat signed on as a corporate partner for the new Morehouse Center for Broadening Participation in Computing. The company is providing 1,000 mock technical interviews for the center.

 

Here are some advices from Kibble Smith on how companies can effectively recruit from HBCUs:

What advice would you give to companies who want to hire more from HBCUs but don’t know how?

Identifying a list of HBCUs to target, even if they are not the most well-known or popular, is an important first step. Look at your employee base who are from HBCUs to help build that list.  Start small if needed to avoid a saturated recruiting market and build relationships with the institutions and student leaders.

Getting to really understand and know the students and professors/leadership at these colleges, because each is different, will help to also build a successful recruiting strategy.

Why should companies try to recruit from universities?

Companies that get an early start on university recruitment will have their choice of some of the best candidates.

That said, even in the current job market, we’re still seeing strong university recruiting and early career hiring demand, and the tail for peak university recruiting season now often extends well beyond the start of the new year for full-time and intern hiring. 

Why should companies look to recruit a diverse pool of candidates?

There is a huge need for more diverse hiring, especially in the tech industry when only five percent of software engineers are Black. Building diverse software development teams is both a priority and a challenge for many companies.

Compared to industry averages, the population of candidates during university recruiting season is far more diverse. Over the past three years, companies saw an average of 113 percent more applicants who were female or non-binary and 67 percent more applicants who were members of an underrepresented minority group during university recruiting season.

If a company wants to be successful, they will need a diverse group of employees who will have diverse backgrounds and ideas to share as they build products and services for today’s market. It’s a great business decision!

What can companies do to recruit and hire more Black and brown students?

The opportunity for candidates to redo interviews is huge for candidates who have had limited exposure to technical interviews.

Research shows that more than half of HBCU computer science students had never had a practice interview before entering the job market, which puts them at a disadvantage. Offering interview redo opportunities is a good way to level the playing field by giving candidates the interviewing experience they need to put their best foot forward. Our data shows that redos not only create a more inclusive hiring process, but they also improve hiring efficiency for companies.

Also having diverse recruiters can help.  Having someone who can relate to the students is always key and it shows the candidates that your company has a commitment to diversity.  If you’re not showing that commitment, then it will be difficult to attract the talent. 

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Discovering the Heart and Soul of HBCU Academic Culture

Discovering the Heart and Soul of HBCU Academic Culture

As an intermediary between students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), we are passionate about helping students discover the heart and soul of HBCU academic culture. HBCUs have a long and rich history of providing African Americans with access to higher education, and today, they continue to offer students a unique and vibrant educational experience.

At the heart of HBCU academic culture is a strong sense of community. HBCUs are known for their close-knit communities and family-like atmospheres, where students often form lifelong friendships and connections. Many HBCUs have small class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention from faculty members and greater opportunities for collaboration and discussion.

In addition to a strong sense of community, HBCUs also place a strong emphasis on social justice and activism. HBCUs have a long history of promoting social justice and civil rights, and many continue to be centers for social and political movements. Students at HBCUs may be encouraged to engage in activism and community service as part of their education, and many HBCUs offer programs and courses focused on social justice issues.

Another important aspect of the heart and soul of HBCU academic culture is academic excellence. HBCUs provide challenging and rigorous academic programs that prepare students for success in their chosen fields. Many HBCUs have strong programs in STEM fields, education, social sciences, and the humanities. In addition, HBCUs often have faculty members who are highly regarded in their fields and who are dedicated to mentoring and supporting students.

The heart and soul of HBCU academic culture is also about personal and professional development. HBCUs are often dedicated to developing the whole person, and many provide students with a range of resources and support services to help them grow personally and professionally. These resources may include counseling and career services, leadership development programs, and opportunities for research and internships.

At Focus Quest, we share and choose to elevate the values that define HBCU academic culture. We take pride in working with these institutions and helping students discover the unique and enriching educational experiences they offer.

We encourage students to consider HBCUs as part of their academic journey, as these institutions provide a community-focused, socially-conscious, and academically-rigorous education. Success is within reach, and HBCUs are a powerful pathway to achieving it.

Don’t hesitate to choose an HBCU to improve your chances and your success.

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Pentagon announces Howard University as the first HBCU to lead university-affiliated research center

Pentagon announces Howard University as the first HBCU to lead university-affiliated research center

The Pentagon has chosen Howard University to lead a university-affiliated research center, its first partnership with a historically Black college or university, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this week.

“To sharpen America’s technological edge and to strengthen America’s outstanding military, the department is committed to investing even more in HBCUs and minority-serving institutions,” Austin, the first Black secretary of defense, said Monday.

Howard will receive $12 million per year for five years in funding, according to a news release. This is the first university partnership primarily sponsored by the Air Force, and this is the first time the department accepted submissions from universities to become an affiliated research center, according to Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick.

The new consortium will focus on tactical autonomy, an Air Force program that aims to develop technologies that require minimal human supervision, according to the branch’s website. The center looks to take advantage of Howard’s science, technology, engineering and math programs.

Austin described the technology as “central to US security in our changing world” and said the military needs the creativity and ideas of students in these programs to continue advancing the advantages American soldiers have on the battlefield.

“Responsibly used autonomous systems make our military faster, smarter, and stronger,” he added. “Howard’s new research center will protect our most precious asset—and that most precious asset is our men and women in uniform.”

The university will also focus on diversifying the pool of scientists and engineers that work with the Defense Department, according to the news release, and it will lead eight other HBCUs, including Hampton and Tuskegee universities, in the research effort.

Frederick told that this is “an enormous opportunity” for faculty and students to “work on cutting edge research in a technology space that is ever evolving.”

“It’s going to put us in a unique space to develop techniques and capabilities and skillsets that we otherwise wouldn’t,” Frederick said, adding that this partnership will allow the university to expand to other areas of research in the future.

The program “really emphasizes that for the country to be successful and for the country to compete, to continue to be competitive in terms of research, etc., that you have to diversify what that work force looks like in the arena of research,” Frederick said.

The Pentagon currently has partnerships with 14 other universities across the country, including Georgia Institute of Technology, University of South California and the University of Maryland.

From Focus Quest we believe that this announcement of Howard University as the first HBCU to lead a research center affiliated with the university is a significant development that has numerous advantages. This decision will create more opportunities for African American students and researchers to excel in fields that have traditionally been dominated by white scholars. Additionally, it will provide the Pentagon with a more diverse pool of talent and ideas, leading to better solutions and innovations. The research center will also serve as a model for other institutions to follow, promoting the importance of diversity and inclusion in academic and research settings. Overall, this news represents a major step forward in promoting equity and excellence in research and education.

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What’s The Science? An Examination Of What HBCUs Are Doing With The Bezos Millions

What’s The Science? An Examination Of What HBCUs Are Doing With The Bezos Millions

MacKenzie Scott was married to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos for 25 years before their divorce in 2019. In April of that year, Bezos and Scott reached a settlement in their divorce that gave her a four percent stake in Amazon, valued at $38.3 billion at the time. 

 

She vowed to give billions away–and has. In July and December 2020, Scott announced $5.8 billion in gifts to colleges and various nonprofit and charitable organizations, The Washington Post reported. Of that, $800 million went to institutions of higher education, with Historically Black Colleges and Universities getting substantial amounts. The charitable donations to HBCUs by Scott, who still had a net worth of $27 billion as of December 2022, were doled out in two parts.

So where did the money go? What are the HBCUs doing with the Bezos millions?

In July, MacKenzie Scott Gave $150 million to HBCUs to six schools: Xavier University, Tuskegee University, Hampton University, Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Howard University. Then she donated more to a slew of HBCUs in December.

As we can see, Jeff Bezos’s $100 million gift to many universities in the United States has far-reaching benefits. The funds will help increase access to education for a greater number of students, improve campus infrastructure, and create new economic opportunities for communities. Additionally, the investment will support research and innovation, promoting scientific discoveries and solutions to global challenges. Most importantly, Bezos’s gift will promote social equity by ensuring that more students from underprivileged backgrounds have access to higher education. All in all, this generous contribution has the potential to transform the lives of countless students and communities for the better.

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