Sodexo Launches $10M Scholarship Program Administered by UNCF for its U.S. Frontline Employees and Their Dependents to Attend HBCUs

Rhea-AI Summary

Sodexo has launched a $10 million scholarship initiative for U.S. frontline employees and their dependents, administered by UNCF. Eligible applicants can receive up to $12,000 for educational expenses at partner Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The program, which supports over 85,000 Sodexo employees, is designed to enhance access to higher education and runs until 2030. Notable HBCUs involved include Howard University and Xavier University of Louisiana. This initiative aligns with Sodexo's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

GAITHERSBURG, MD, Feb. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sodexo, a food services and facilities management company, is pleased to announce a $10 million scholarship initiative for its U.S. frontline employees and their dependents. The program—administered by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)—is for students to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) that are partners with Sodexo or UNCF.

Starting today, eligible frontline employees and their dependents can apply for scholarships and receive up to $12,000 for tuition, books and other educational expenses. Scholarships will be awarded based on financial need and merit and dispersed directly to each student’s college or university this fall. UNCF will oversee the program and administer the scholarship funding. The program runs through 2030.

“We are excited to launch this program with UNCF and our HBCU partners,” said Sarosh Mistry, Region Chair, Sodexo North America. “It will give more than 85,000 Sodexo frontline employees and their families access to funding to pursue their educational goals at the prestigious and iconic institutions where our teams proudly serve.”

“Sodexo’s commitment to our HBCUs and the students they serve is outstanding, and we thank them for this new gift,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF. “Diversity across all sectors of the U.S. economy is important, and our member institutions, along with all other HBCUs, add a significant boost to the annual American economic landscape—delivering a $14.8 billion impact each year. Ensuring that more students of color can attend our HBCUs and earn their degrees—while at the same time helping them bring vital economic impact for their communities, regions and states—brings a win-win for everyone involved. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sodexo, and hope others like them will join us as well.”

Participating HBCU partner organizations for the 2021-2022 academic year include:

• Alcorn State University
• Bethune Cookman University
• Central State University
• Claflin University
• Clark Atlanta University
• Dillard University
• Edward Waters College
• Fisk University
• Fort Valley State University
• Gadsden State Community College
• Grambling State University
• Howard University
• Jackson State University
• Kentucky State University
• Langston University
• Lincoln University
• Morgan State University
• North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
• North Carolina Central University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Shaw University
• South Carolina State University
• Texas Southern University
• Wiley College
• Xavier University of Louisiana

Sodexo’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion has been consistently recognized by external organizations and notable diversity publications. Globally, Sodexo has been named to Bloomberg's 2020 Gender-Equality Index and FORTUNE'S 2020 list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

For more information on the new scholarship program or to apply, please visit www.scholarships.uncf.org.

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About UNCF

UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.

 

About Sodexo North America 

Sodexo North America is part of a global, Fortune 500 company with a presence in 64 countries. Sodexo is a leading provider of integrated food, facilities management and other services that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life for millions of customers in corporate, education, healthcare, senior living, sports and leisure, government and other environments daily. The company employs 160,000 people at 13,500 sites in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, and indirectly supports tens of thousands of additional jobs through its annual purchases of $17B in goods and services from small to large businesses. Sodexo is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and safety, while upholding the highest standards of corporate responsibility and ethical business conduct. In support of local communities across the U.S., in 2019, the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation mobilized 37,000 Sodexo volunteers to distribute 3.2 million meals to help 2.3 million children and adults meet their immediate food needs. Since 1996, the Stop Hunger Foundation has contributed $34.5 million to help feed children in America impacted by hunger. To learn more about Sodexo, visit us.sodexo.com, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.

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FAQ

What is Sodexo's $10 million scholarship initiative for U.S. frontline employees and their dependents in 2021?

Sodexo's $10 million scholarship initiative aims to provide financial support for frontline employees and their dependents, allowing them to receive up to $12,000 for educational expenses at partner HBCUs.

How can eligible employees apply for Sodexo's scholarship program for HBCUs?

Eligible Sodexo employees can apply for the scholarship through the UNCF website, starting from February 23, 2021.

Which Historically Black Colleges and Universities are partnered with Sodexo for the scholarship program?

Participating HBCUs include Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, and Texas Southern University among others.

What is the duration of Sodexo's scholarship program for HBCU students?

The scholarship program runs until 2030, providing ongoing support for eligible employees and dependents.

What financial impact does UNCF claim HBCUs have on the U.S. economy?

UNCF states that HBCUs contribute $14.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy.