A scholarship for HBCU students created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reopened. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the department had established the 1890 National Scholars Program, which was intended to increase opportunities for underserved and rural communities, particularly in food, agriculture, natural resources, and other related sciences. The scholarship was created in partnership with 19 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that received resources under the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890, otherwise known as the 1890 land-grant universities. The scholarship benefits include full tuition, fees, books, and room and board. 16 Virginia State University students receiving the scholarship view it as “an invaluable resource,” 8News reports. “A lot of us … it was hard for us to come to college alone. We can barely afford it,” VSU freshman Tobias Clark told the outlet. Those very students were stunned when news broke that the 1890 National Scholars Program...

Inflation impacts everyone and everything, and college tuition is no exception. For years, students and parents have often complained about the rising tuition costs and associated fees. These costs have prevented many students from pursuing their academic journeys because financial aid hasn’t been measuring up. According to College Board, the average tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 academic year are $11,260 for in-state students at public four-year institutions and go all they up to $41,540 for private nonprofit four-year institutions. In the words of Gen Z, these numbers are crazy work. They don’t even account for room and board, books, or other living expenses. While the rising costs of college tuition can be daunting, it’s important to remember that there are specific strategies and financial options that can help alleviate this burden. With that said, understanding and securing student aid can make higher education more accessible and affordable. This guide is designed to...

Former Milwaukee Bucks player Jabari Parker has been in the news a lot lately due to his recent tearful video. The video in question seemingly sees the 29-year-old power forward regretting his decision to play overseas after being bounced around from several NBA teams in the last decade or so. While the video is quite heartbreaking, fans should be happy to learn that Parker’s financial future is still secure regardless of his next career moves. According to Celebrity Net Worth , Jabari Parker has an estimated net worth of over $20 million. So let’s take a moment to examine Jabari Parker’s career, current revenue streams, and any public information regarding his investment portfolio. With any luck, the world-renown star will be able to use his money, influence, and name-recognition to enter into any career or lifestyle path he wishes. Without any further preamble, let’s unpack the life and financial figures of the All American athlete. Parker’s Early Life And Career Origins (Photo by...

Duke University is the latest higher educational institute to make a change following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in admissions. According to its student publication The Chronicle, the North Carolina college has officially discontinued its Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship Program. Since its inception in 1979, the merit scholarship was created for Black undergraduates, some of whom were required to demonstrate the need for financial assistance. It covered the cost of full tuition as well as room and board for those who were selected to be a part of the program. Duke University announced it is ending a full-ride scholarship program for Black students in the wake of the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling https://t.co/dNK2Rst99y — philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 12, 2024 “It is very much disheartening to hear that this program that opened the door for me to come to Duke is now being closed essentially, even though it will take on a new...

When discussing the timeline of successful talk shows, it’s impossible not to mention Oprah Winfrey. In September 1986, Winfrey launched “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” On the trailblazing syndicated daytime show, she interviewed some of the biggest public figures, as well as everyday people. After running for 25 seasons, it remains the highest-rated daytime talk show in American television history , according to the Television Academy Foundation.

The kids are alright thanks to this initiative geared toward students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to pursue careers in science, tech, engineering, or math (STEM). According to a press release, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) was launched in 2020 and has raised more than $17 million to fund scholarships for more than 350 students attending HBCUs. The program was created to support students from underrepresented communities who are taking up space in industries that don’t always have people or leaders that represent and reflect them. During its first year, FOSSI provided 151 scholarships and in the forthcoming fall, the program will add 144 more scholarships making strides toward its goal of providing 1,000 scholarships by 2025. “With an ambitious goal of funding 1000 HBCU students, FOSSI aims to have a significant and meaningful impact on the future workforce,” said Mark Vergnano, FOSSI Chairman. “These talented scholarship recipients...

When the Forbes 30 Under 30 list releases each year, it’s a time to give young leaders and innovators their flowers. The annual list also serves as a moment for readers to praise honorees, discover new talent, and be inspired to excel within their own endeavors. Forbes’ Black honorees in categories such as science, technology, healthcare , and gaming , in particular, are ones to revel on as the Black community is underrepresented within these spaces and deserves proper recognition. Take a look at this year’s Black honorees that are breaking barriers in their respective fields. Editorial Note: This piece has been updated to reflect additional honorees on Dec. 6, 2021.

Digital Harbor High School — a technology-based magnet school in Baltimore — recently received a special surprise from TODAY’s Al Roker. Following Digital Harbor’s principal — Taiisha Swinton-Buck — being named Maryland’s Principal of the Year for 2021, the students were each gifted brand new Dell laptops and a free year of internet access — thanks to Comcast — TODAY reports. “It means everything to us,” Swinton-Buck told TODAY. “At Digital Harbor High School, we’re focused on technology. Computers kept us connected during the COVID closures, and so we’re so happy that we can continue on trend…We’re going to stay focused!” According to TODAY, Swinton-Buck has led Digital Harbor High School for three years and throughout her tenure has had stellar engagement, support and bonding with the students. She’s inspired not only the students, but also Digital Harbor’s staff. With Swinton-Buck’s influence, the school has seen “record-setting impacts in attendance, grade averages and...