WH initiative celebrates 10th Anniversary with diverse 2024 HBCU cohort

By Stacy M. Brown
Contributing Writer

(NNPA Newswire) — The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has announced the 2024 cohort of HBCU Scholars, marking the 10th anniversary of this transformative program. This year, 110 students from 77 HBCUs across the nation and around the world have been selected for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to their communities.

“For 10 years, the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities – a recognition that reflects the Biden-Harris administration’s determination to fight for our nation’s HBCUs and their immense contributions to excellence and diversity in higher education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow. We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.”

Among the selected scholars are: Ashley Anderson from Howard University, Washington, D.C.; Sarah Amanda Owusu from Bowie State University, Bowie, Md.; Yassin Alallaq from Delaware State University, Dover, Del.; Michael Kevin Crossley Sr. from Virginia Union University, Sydney Lewis School of Business, Richmond, Va.; Olivia Johnson from Spelman College, Atlanta, Ga.; David Liu from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Ga.; Fatima Zahra from Xavier University, New Orleans, La.; Carlos Mendoza from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas; Nia Thompson from North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, N.C.; Emmanuel Okafor from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Fla.; Anaya Singh from Claflin University, Orangeburg, S.C.; Maria Gonzalez from Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas; Thomas Mburu from Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala.; and Lian Li from Dillard University, New Orleans, La.

Officials said their inclusion highlights the remarkable talent fostered within HBCUs and reflects strong educational foundations and community spirit. Officials added that these students “exemplify the academic excellence and leadership potential the HBCU Scholars program seeks to recognize and support.”

“For ten years, the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our historically Black colleges and universities—a recognition that reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination to fight for our nation’s HBCUs and their immense contributions to excellence and diversity in higher education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow. We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.”

Since its inception in 2014, the HBCU Scholars program has helped over 500 students, providing them invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship, and networking. Representing 23 states and 11 countries, this year’s cohort includes students from diverse disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.

Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons. They will connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and program alumni, further enriching their educational experience. Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s mission to “Raise the Bar,” students in the program are encouraged to lift their communities, unite others around student success, work to strengthen democracy and grow the economy.

A critical component of the HBCU Scholars Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. The partnership includes the Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC). Through the Mini MITTIC program, HBCU Scholars will collaborate to develop ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property that can improve their campuses and surrounding communities.

HBCU Scholars will also be invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, held on September 15 – 19, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa. This year’s conference theme is “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” During the conference, HBCU Scholars will participate in sessions designed to “engage a spirit of innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development.” Most importantly, officials said HBCU Scholars will have opportunities to engage, and showcase their individual and collective talent.

Following the conference, officials said HBCU Scholars will participate in programs, events, and monthly master classes designed to enhance their professional development and create greater access to post-graduation opportunities within non-profits, businesses, and federal agency partners to help ensure America remains globally competitive.

“These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community,” said Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This article originally published in the August 12, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.