Southern Company will be joining forces with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, and nonprofit INROADS, Inc., to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The global leaders have announced $10 million in grants via the Southern Company Foundation to ensure students attending HBCUs will receive the financial backing to pursue academic opportunities. The funds will encourage students to advance their talents and economic developments within their communities, campus, and beyond.

“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., INROADS President and CEO, according to a press release.

The Grant Aims To Land Students Jobs

The global leaders will prioritize job training for students and provide them with scholarships, endowments, and paid internship opportunities to advance this goal.

According to a press release, the scholarships and endowment will establish and foster the growth of programs in STEM, urban planning, and architecture, among others, while restoring the window of opportunity for students of color.

“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, in a statement. “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.”

The Grant Advances Southern Company's $50M Commitment

The million-dollar commitment fulfills a portion of Southern Company’s $50 million multi-year initiative to ensure students within their service footprint are career-ready by providing scholarships, internships, leadership development, technology, and access to innovation.

To date, there has been $40 million has been pledged.