A number of employers, including Cargill and Medtronic, offered scholarships, internships, and relocation stipends to students from Norfolk State University who participated in the 23rd Annual Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Leadership Institute from September 20 to 23.

The NSU Student Pathways and Academic Formation department accompanied 12 students to the event. Along with TMCF Talent Managers, they prepared the students for the four-day industry networking event.

The event aimed to enhance their professional and leadership skills, provide a platform for companies to access diverse scholars, and help students make connections that lead to careers.

NSU has been a part of this career preparation initiative for years as one of the TMCF HBCU member schools.

Amber Torrence, Amiya Chisolm, Brandon Carr, Deasia Stewart, Dejanique Powell, Destiny Brickerson, Jalaya Allen, Jasmyne Harris, Jordan Moody, Maurice Vincent, Yasir Glenn-Brown, and Zekiah Enos interviewed with several companies for internships and work-based opportunities.

They interacted with representatives from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and graduate programs. Moreover, they networked with representatives who provided training and continuing education opportunities.

Cargill provided Amber Torrence and Jasmyne Harris with $1,000 scholarships each. Additionally, Jalaya Allen received three internship offers that included housing, travel, and relocation stipends.

She accepted an offer from Medtronic, which included a $2,500 sign-on bonus. Allen expressed her gratitude for the invaluable assistance provided by Student Pathways and looks forward to being an ambassador for the university at these forums.

TCMP President and CEO, Dr. Williams, described the 23rd Annual Leadership Institute as a program that aims to develop students’ leadership skills, create a community of scholars, provide companies access to a diverse student population, and help students make connections that lead to careers.

The Recruitment Fair, a vital component of this experience, featured Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and graduate program representatives who offered jobs, internships, and continuing education opportunities for the student participants.

In other news, Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Medtronic plc have partnered to launch the Research & Development Engagement program, which provides grants to support innovation, ideas, and solutions in STEM, medical technology, and business research at select Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Medtronic is the sole funder of the grants, the latest outcome of a strategic partnership with TMCF to advance diversity in STEM education and career development.

“The Research & Development Engagement Program is a game-changer. We are glad that Medtronic has been an intentional partner about equipping our faculty with access to opportunities to enhance their skill set, which impacts our students and increases the opportunities they have to enjoy STEM careers in corporate America,” said TMCF President & CEO Dr. Harry Williams.

“Supporting HBCUs through the R&D Engagement Program expands access to opportunities and skill-building to students from diverse backgrounds,” said Cynthia Reese, Medtronic Director of External Partnerships and Community. “Medtronic is proud to partner with TMCF on this impactful program as part of its commitment to achieving zero barriers to equity.”

Medtronic plc and TMCF have been partners since 2020, developing an annual internship program across the U.S., as well as a scholarship program sponsored by the Medtronic Foundation.

For the R&D Engagement Program, TMCF and Medtronic plc awarded five grants of $40,000 each to faculty members at TMCF member schools, with a focus on the following areas: STEM, medical technology, and business research.

Proud to partner with Medtronic to launch academic R&D grants at HBCUshttps://t.co/p9Bt9wN89E

— Harry L. Williams (@DrHLWilliams) October 3, 2023

Three transformative and memorable days of the Leadership Institute presented by Wells Fargo are complete and it’s been an amazing week for our talented students. Enjoy our day 3 recap.https://t.co/GIFKlPGHMO

— Harry L. Williams (@DrHLWilliams) September 23, 2023