On May 11, 2024, Amariah Stanard graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University, one of 17 historically Black colleges and universities with ABET-accredited engineering schools.

The graduation marked a continuation of a family tradition, as Amariah’s mother also graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Howard University.

Despite the underrepresentation of Black women in engineering, efforts are being made to increase their presence in the field, with organizations like the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) setting strategic goals to triple the number of Black engineers produced annually.

Additionally, HBCU graduates play a significant role in supporting the economic mobility of African Americans, and Tuskegee University recently received a substantial gift to fund STEM programming and research, scholarships, faculty positions, and campus improvements.

During Tuskegee University’s 139th annual Spring 2024 Commencement Exercises, Dr. Dietra Trent, the executive director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through HBCUs, offered a message to the next chapter of HBCU leaders.

Tuskegee Trustee and alum Jonathan Porter introduced the Dr. Charlotte P. Morris Endowed Dean’s Chair in Business and Information Systems.

Twenty-eight years ago, on May 11, 1996, my mom graduated from Howard University with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering on her birthday. Now, on May 11, 2024, I will follow her path by graduating from Tuskegee University with my own B.S. in Electrical Engineering. #WomenInTech pic.twitter.com/Gn8cjTZKry

— amariah🦋 (@amariah_stanard) May 6, 2024