Tuskegee University in Alabama has been awarded a $5 million grant from Google to help students of color gain access to educational and professional opportunities in the technology industry.
In a press release, the university stated that it is one of 10 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) awarded with the grant.
Tuskegee will use the grant to support scholarships, career readiness and preparation initiatives, as well as entrepreneurship mentoring programs.
“Their $5 million gift will support the University as it bolsters its work in STEM education and moves forward into new fields in STEM and in business. This gift will have a lasting and profound impact on the course of the University’s future,” said Interim President Charlotte P. Morris.
Pathways to Tech
The donation is part of Google’s Pathways to Tech initiative to provide equal opportunities in the technology industry for Black students.
Google Chief Diversity Officer Melonie Parker expressed the company’s interest in developing stronger relationships with HBCUs through the program.
“To help us drive this work, we are working with HBCUs to form a tech advisory board that strengthens our existing partnership,” Parker said.
“This financial commitment is our largest to date for HBCUs. Each institution will receive a one-time unrestricted financial grant of $5 million, providing institutions with the flexibility to invest in their communities and the future workforce as they see fit,” she added.
Among the other HBCUs to receive the grant are: Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Prairie View A&M University, Spelman College, and Xavier University of Louisiana.
