Wilberforce University Receives Half Million Dollar Grant from Dominion Energy for Student Success

Rhea-AI Summary

On December 9, 2020, Dominion Energy announced a $500,000 donation to Wilberforce University, supporting STEM education and student success. This gift is part of Dominion's broader $25 million initiative aimed at enhancing educational resources at HBCUs in Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The funding will finance scholarships, the inaugural Bayard Rustin Lecture Series, and provide laptops for all students and faculty. Additionally, Dominion has committed $10 million in scholarships for minority students.

Positive

• $500,000 donation enhances STEM education and resources at Wilberforce University.
• Launch of Bayard Rustin Lecture Series on Racial Equality.
• Provision of laptops to all enrolled students and faculty.
• $10 million commitment for scholarships for underrepresented minority students.

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• None.

WILBERFORCE, Ohio, Dec. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Students who attend the nation's first, private historically black college (HBCU) will expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, because of a $500,000 gift from Dominion Energy.  The Virginia based power and energy company has included Wilberforce University as one of 11 HBCUs  that will benefit from  Dominion Energy's six-year "HBCU Promise." This 25 million dollar agenda supports endowments, capital projects, operating expenses and educational programs that support clean energy at HBCUs in Virginia, Ohio, South Carolina and North Carolina.     

"We are so grateful to Dominion Energy for this generous donation! Never in our lifetime have students faced such hardships to attend school. Because of this meaningful gift, Wilberforce students will get the tech support they need to successfully attend classes in safe environments. We can't thank you enough!" -Natalie Coles, vice president, institutional advancement, Wilberforce University –

The half million dollar donation also finances STEM scholarships and the launch of the university's inaugural Bayard Rustin Lecture Series on Racial Equality, named in honor of the architect of the historic, 1963, civil rights March on Washington. Rustin was a student at Wilberforce. The university is also grateful the Dominion gift has purchased laptops for all enrolled students and faculty for the fall semester's remote learning and teaching expererience. The school's academic schedule was adjusted for off campus study because of concerns about the potential spread of COVID 19.

"Dominion Energy is proud to partner with Wilberforce University in supporting scholarships and other grant dollars to provide basic necessities for students to fully engage and succeed in their college experience," said Leighton McCoy, Vice President, Gas Distribution Technical Services.  "We look forward to uplifting Wilberforce University students and highlighting their achievements as they pursue excellence and success."

Dominion Energy also has committed $10 million in scholarships to assist African-American and other underrepresented minority students who reside in the company's service areas. Students can learn more and apply at DominionEnergy.com/EquityScholarships.

About Wilberforce University:

Founded in 1856, Wilberforce University was the first, private college to be established by African Americans. Located in Greene County, Ohio, near Dayton, Wilberforce is a four year, accredited, liberal arts college that is a member of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the NAIA Athletic Conference and the Ohio LINK Library Consortium. According to HBCU.com, Wilberforce is one of the top five HBCUs in the Midwest.

About Dominion Energy:

More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

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SOURCE Wilberforce University/Dominion Energy

FAQ

What is the significance of Dominion Energy's $500,000 donation to Wilberforce University?

The donation aims to enhance STEM education, provide scholarships, and support student resources at Wilberforce University.

When was Dominion Energy's gift to Wilberforce University announced?

The gift was announced on December 9, 2020.

How does the $500,000 donation affect students at Wilberforce University?

It will finance STEM scholarships and provide necessary technology, such as laptops for remote learning.

What is the Bayard Rustin Lecture Series launched by Wilberforce University?

It is a new initiative focusing on racial equality, named after Bayard Rustin, a prominent civil rights activist and former student.

How much total funding is part of Dominion Energy's HBCU Promise initiative?

Dominion Energy's HBCU Promise initiative is a $25 million commitment to support HBCUs.