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Eighty-six students have been recognized by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The scholars were selected from a pool of over 350 students.
"The HBCU Scholars announced have dedicated themselves to learning and exemplify the talent that our nation's historically Black colleges and universities have nurtured for generations," said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a statement.
As ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the scholars will be offered cross-university opportunities, work on issues related to the HBCU community, and participate in events with professionals from a range of disciplines.
“As an HBCU graduate, I’m honored to announce our HBCU Scholars," said Dietra Trent, executive director of the White House Initiative. “I look forward to supporting the growth of our HBCU family through the Scholar Recognition Program.”
One feature of the HBCU Scholar Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation. The Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC) allows students to partner in developing ideas and commercializing technology derived from NASA intellectual property.
“The goal with Mini MITTIC is to provide the HBCU Scholars with an authentic experience while ensuring they leave with the tools to utilize NASA intellectual property to create their own business concept and participate in the full MITTIC competition,” said Misti Moore, NASA’s Johnson Space Center MUREP lead & MITTIC activity manager.
Scholars will have the opportunity to present their IP ideas during the National HBCU Week Conference, September 20-23 in Washington, D.C. During the conference, they will participate in sessions designed to engage a spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and professional development. Most importantly, scholars will have opportunities to showcase their individual and collective talent.
“As an HBCU Scholar I was able to connect with leaders and meet professionals from various sectors including government, the NFL, and the entertainment industry,” said Paige Blake, 2022 HBCU Scholar, Bowie State University. “The kills I gained through the Scholar Program provided me with tools to navigate beyond my academic career and I now proudly serve on the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs.”