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The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and United Negro College Fund (UNCF) each received a $3 million grant from Google. The gift is designed to help expand career pathways and opportunities for students in the technology industry who are attending historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“We believe that HBCUs possess the power and the people to create a more equitable society, that’s why we work so diligently to ensure their sustainability and strengthen their capacity to continue to produce top talent,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, TMCF’s president & CEO. “This gift will have a profound impact on TMCF’s future plans as we bolster our work in tech and AI-related research, and further solidify Google’s commitment to providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.”
TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending Black colleges and universities.
The new grants add to Google’s previous $50M grant to 10 HBCUs, the Pathways to Tech initiative announced last year and the ongoing Tech Exchange virtual academic program. Combined, these grants and programs continue to show Google’s commitment to helping HBCU students with their education and their careers.
“UNCF appreciates this generous gift from Google, which will help change the lives of many students who want to earn STEM degrees and pursue careers in the tech industry but may not have the financial means,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF’s president and CEO. “This funding enables us to provide significant support to our member HBCUs and students. Because of Google’s generosity, more students will have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams in the tech world and begin meaningful careers in the 21st-century workplace.”
UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness.
“We’re building on the momentum of Google’s investment in HBCUs by supporting organizations like TMCF and UNCF,” said Melonie Parker, Google’s Chief Diversity Officer. “These grants will help prepare and teach HBCU students the skills they need for future careers in tech.”