Southern Company Foundation issues $10 million in grants to foster HBCU talent through innovative collaboration between INROADS, UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund
Southern Company announced a $10 million grant from its foundation to enhance collaboration with INROADS, UNCF, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. This initiative is part of a broader $50 million commitment aimed at supporting HBCU students through scholarships, internships, and leadership development. The funding seeks to bolster opportunities in fields like STEM and urban planning, ultimately striving to bridge the opportunity gap for underrepresented talent. This collaboration aims to improve career readiness and representation in executive roles for HBCU graduates.
- Announced $10 million grant to support HBCU students.
- Part of a larger $50 million commitment to educational initiatives.
- Collaboration focuses on scholarships and job training in STEM fields.
- None.
ATLANTA, Dec. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Company today announced
This commitment is part of the
"Advancing education equity is one of the pillars of our social justice strategy, with a specific focus on building on the already strong relationships we have established across the Southern companies with HBCUs," said Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power, the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company. "We're honored to support this historic collaboration, which will have a positive impact for hundreds of HBCU students who then will be empowered to improve and elevate their communities. We look forward to seeing the success of this program and continued work with the partners in bringing this initiative to life."
The collaboration is focused on job training for the next generation of business and community leaders. Together, INROADS, UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund will provide students and HBCU campuses with scholarships, endowments and paid internships. The scholarships and endowments will be essential to helping HBCUs establish or grow programs in STEM, urban planning, architecture and other programs related to the sustainability industry; while also solving an opportunity gap that plagues talent of color.
"Degrees matter. Careers matter. Impact also matters. Imagine the impact of this initiative as graduates pursue careers focused on developing and ensuring the viability of our communities! Thanks to the Southern Company Foundation for this important investment and innovative collaboration with UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund. This investment will go a long way to provide sustainable impact for HBCUs, their students, and our communities," said Forest T. Harper, Jr., President and CEO, INROADS, Inc.
"This student-centered initiative aims to improve college completion rates of HBCU students, increase the conversion rate of student interns to full-time positions immediately upon graduation, and increase HBCU alumni representation in executive leadership roles in sustainability-related careers," said Dr. Kelly Owens, Chief Impact & Strategy Officer, INROADS, Inc.
"UNCF is proud to be a part of this powerful collaboration spearheaded by the generous gift from Southern Company Foundation. The scholarships, internships and career development will change the lives of many students who may not have the financial means to further their education after earning a high school diploma," said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO, UNCF. "With this support, more students will have the opportunity to earn degrees in STEM, business administration, and other disciplines leading toward meaningful careers in the 21st century workforce."
"This partnership is an example of Southern Company moving the needle in the national dialogue on diversity, equity and inclusion," said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. "We are proud to partner with the Southern Company to support the next generation of leaders from HBCUs, institutions that play a critical role in ensuring young people of color are not left behind."
About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
About INROADS, Inc.:
Founded in 1970, INROADS delivers innovative programs and creative solutions that identify, accelerate and elevate the development of underrepresented talent throughout their careers. Through this development, students become equipped for corporate and community leadership that affects community renewal, social change and elevates economic status and quality of life. INROADS has more than 30,000 alumni, over 900 interns and serves 4,000+ students and 200 corporate clients. Learn more at INROADS.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn: @INROADSInc.
About Thurgood Marshall College Fund:
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation's largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly
About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) 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, supports and 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
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