$50 million for HBCUs to address the diversity gap in tech

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have stood as pillars of excellence for more than 180 years and continue to serve as havens for Black students in pursuit of higher education. Founded to provide Black Americans with a fundamental human right — the access to a full education, they have grown to produce some of the greatest leaders, thinkers and cultural influencers of our time. These institutions are actively shaping the next generation of Black leaders and are helping build a more diverse workforce across all industries, including tech. In fact, 25% of African American graduates with STEM degrees come from HBCUs. 

Despite the success of HBCUs, Black professionals continue to be underrepresented across the tech industry. We want to do our part to support these institutions as we work to help close the gap, together. Today, I’m proud to announce a $50 million grant to 10 HBCUs that will help support scholarships, invest in technical infrastructure for in-class and remote learning, and develop curriculum and career support programs. 

Here’s a look at what our HBCU partners had to say about the grant and how it will help them:

• “With this effort, Google is setting a new standard in corporate philanthropy that directly addresses decades of gross inequities and underfunding at HBCUs and establishes a new path forward to ensuring workforce diversity in STEM, one of our most critical sectors here in the U.S. and within the global market. Google has done its homework and understands that our HBCUs are great institutions for unrestricted investment.” - Dr. Wilson, Morgan State University

• “This action speaks resoundingly to the company’s recognition of the longstanding and important role that HBCUs have played in preparing their students for achievement in technological areas.” - Dr. Simmons, Prairie View A&M University

• “Google’s generous gift to create pathways in STEM for HBCU students will propel them into roles and opportunities that prepare them to be 21st century change agents. Having hosted Googlers from the Google-in-Residence program, and having seen the outcomes of our students who have interned at Google and alumnae who are now employed by Google, we are grateful for their comprehensive approach to building equity in computing education.” - Mary Schmidt Campbell, Ph.D., President, Spelman College

• "The investments that Google is announcing today underscore their belief in our institutions." - Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr., North Carolina A&T

• “This grant demonstrates the strength and trajectory of Claflin’s global reputation as a leading liberal arts university with a thriving STEM agenda. These funds will also support University initiatives related to enhancing technology in the rural communities we serve.” - Dr. Warmack, President, Claflin University

• "Google's $50M investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) shows a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and an appreciation of the value HBCUs bring with regards to the talent and ingenuity of our students, faculty, staff and alumni."- Larry Robinson, Ph.D., President, Florida A&M University

• “Google’s $5 million gift will support the University as it bolsters its work in STEM education and moves forward into new fields in STEM and in business. This gift will have a lasting and profound impact on the course of the University's future plans." - Charlotte P. Morris, Ph.D. Tuskegee University (AL)

• “Google’s leadership gift of $50M to UNCF and TMCF on behalf of our HBCUs represents a great opportunity to leverage the pioneering work we have been doing in partnership with Google to enhance the competitiveness and capacity of our institutions in computer science education and technology and catapults our campuses to the forefront as higher education institutions preparing the next generation of Black leaders in technology.“ - Dr. Lomax, President, UNCF

• "The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) applauds Google for its historic and transformative gift to our Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and for recognizing the importance of both the institutions and the students who attend them. This is a powerful endorsement of our HBCUs, of the high-quality education they provide and the outcomes they make possible. The gift — $50 million — is the largest unrestricted gift ever awarded to HBCUs from a tech company. Google understands how important HBCUs are to the future workforce of our nation and sends a clear message with this gift, while leading the way in unencumbered support.” - Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO, Thurgood Marshall College Fund

This financial commitment is our largest to date for HBCUs. Each institution will receive a one-time unrestricted financial grant of $5 million, providing institutions with the flexibility to invest in their communities and the future workforce as they see fit. 

Today’s grant follows a lot of work in the last several years to support HBCUs, including our Pathways to Tech initiative. These initiatives are designed to build equity for HBCU computing education, help job seekers find tech roles, and provide opportunities to accelerate their careers.

This grant further solidifies our commitment to providing access and opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech. We’ll continue to partner closely with HBCUs to achieve this shared goal.

by Melonie Parker via The Keyword