DIAGEO is opening its pocketbooks to support innovation at HBCUs.
In celebration of homecoming week, the company hosted several events to honor the traditions that thrive across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This includes its Alumni Bison Ball and “Off The Yard” tailgate festival held Oct. 18 and Oct. 19 at Howard University as well as a football classic in Alabama on Oct. 25 and another one in Louisiana on Nov. 30, a press release mentions.
“At DIAGEO, we believe a business that includes everyone is a better business. Our business is centered around celebrations, culture and memorable moments,” Danielle Robinson, Ph.D., director of community initiatives and partnerships at DIAGEO, told AFROTECH™ in an email interview. “HBCU Homecoming and Classic season represents one of those vibrant memorable moments. As alumni from these respected institutions continue to make meaningful impact in society and the business world, we are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and rich traditions of HBCU culture.”
Multi-Million-Dollar Commitment
DIAGEO’s heart for HBCUs is also evident through its financial support. According to information shared with AFROTECH™, nearly $12 million has been invested since 2021 to establish permanent endowments — which are structured as investment portfolios funded through initial donations — at 29 HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions.
“Our support for HBCUs and MSIs (Minority-Serving Institutions) via endowments at 29 institutions across the country provides financial support to the next generation of future leaders,” Robinson said. “In 2023, interest from these endowments generated over $400,000 in scholarship funds distributed to future leaders, supporting their academic journeys. This cycle will happen annually as interest accrues from the various endowments.”
‘Learning Skills for Life’ Program
In addition, DIAGEO has allocated scholarship and internship opportunities in distillation and marketing. It also offers a “Learning Skills for Life” program in cities such as Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; New Orleans, LA; Toronto, Canada; the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC. Its purpose is to equip the HBCU alumni networks with skills and training to advance in the hospitality industry. Since its launch in 2014, more than 6,000 individuals, including HBCU alumni and those within underserved communities, have benefited from this initiative.
“DIAGEO has always had a commitment to supporting programming across communities… By joining efforts with educational institutions, commercial and community partners that share our ‘skills empowerment’ approach, the four-week program aims to improve employable skills through hospitality training at no cost,” Robinson mentioned.
