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U Are The New Era: Attending AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 As A College Student

Attending a traditional four-year college is a life-changing experience. Many students who choose that route consider it crucial to their formative era of adulthood. From making lifelong friends and unlearning things that no longer serve you to developing a sense of independence and greater resiliency — the collegiate experience can be life-defining. Now, add that perspective to a predominantly Black environment, and this is the HBCU experience. Founded to provide access to academia that systemic racist policies and laws would not traditionally allow, HBCUs are spaces of higher learning, homes, and safe spaces for students to be cultivated, developed, matured, and uniquely nurtured. Regardless of this context, one thing that is consistent for all college students is the journey of discovery, particularly around career goals and continued livelihood. Whether it is choosing the best major or navigating whether or not one should pursue an internship over a fellowship, college students...

Oct 21, 2024

Louisiana's Southern University Celebrates The Largest Class Of Black Male Nurses In The University's History

Southern University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health is breaking barriers and making history in remarkable ways. According to WBRZ-2 News, the Baton Rouge, LA-based Historically Black College and University has achieved a significant milestone by welcoming the largest cohort of Black male nursing students in its history — 33 individuals. “The diversity of males in healthcare is very important for us,” said nursing student James Rodgers. “So to be a part of something like this is legendary for us.” Student Ray Washington added, “I think now other males, younger black males, older males having the opportunity to see what we’re doing here is only going to ignite a fire in them and say we have the opportunity to decide our own story and not allow the world to make that decision for us.” The students are determined to transform the face of healthcare while challenging stereotypes . Their commitment goes beyond caring for their peers; they aspire to make a lasting impact on their...

Oct 11, 2024

Dr. Asya Johnson To Lead The Creation Of NYC’s First HBCU Prep High School In Partnership With Her Alma Mater Delaware State

A Black woman is leading the establishment of New York City, NY ‘s first HBCU Early College Prep High School, a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with the historically Black college from which she graduated. Dr. Asya Johnson, chancellor’s master principal of NYC Public Schools, is a passionate advocate for racial justice and educational equity with over 16 years of educational experience. A proud Delaware State University alumna , she stated that the prep high school aims to “bridge the accelerated academics of a rich tradition of HBCU experience,” Waymaker Journal reported . She is now paving the way for a new generation to follow in her footsteps. The HBCU Early College Prep High School will open in Southeast Queens in September 2025, fast-tracking NYC Public School students’ path to college. They will be able to start receiving college credits as early as ninth grade and graduate high school with a diploma, a tuition-free associate’s degree, and guaranteed...

Oct 11, 2024

Jackson State University Has Received $2M To Build A Lab That Will Support Cybersecurity Careers

Jackson State University in Jackson, MS, will be able to support its students pursuing careers in cybersecurity. According to a news release, the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has received a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation. To be allocated over several payments, the grant supports the establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, which will provide the launching pad for cybersecurity careers. “I am honored to receive this generous grant on behalf of Jackson State University . This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., said in the news release. “Looking ahead, this lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.” Haley Fisackerly , Entergy Mississippi president and CEO, commented: “The robust growth in our company and the state...

Oct 9, 2024

Discover These 3 HBCU Colleges In Florida

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been vital in offering quality education, fostering leadership, and promoting cultural heritage within the African American community. Florida is home to several HBCUs that have made significant contributions to higher education and the development of their students. These institutions provide a diverse range of programs, helping to prepare students for successful careers in various fields. Florida A&M University (FAMU) Florida A&M University (FAMU), located in Tallahassee and established in 1887, is one of the most notable HBCUs in Florida. It offers a wide array of programs, including pharmacy, journalism, agriculture, and engineering. FAMU has recently expanded its STEM offerings by introducing graduate degrees in aerospace engineering , starting in the fall of 2025, through a partnership with Florida State University. This initiative aims to prepare students for careers in aerospace and defense. Additionally, FAMU offers...

Sep 27, 2024

Big Sean Champions Detroit's Pensole Lewis College, The Only Design-Focused HBCU, And Reflects On The Importance Of Empowering The City’s Voice

Big Sean has never been one to shy away from showcasing the love he has for Detroit, MI. He knew very early on that he was called to not only put on for his city but also put on for others along the way. He isn’t the only one who sees something special in Detroit. Dubbed one of the Blackest cities in America, Detroit has a population that is 76% Black, according to the United States Census Bureau. Among its other attributes, the Motor City got its nickname for being the center of the U.S. auto industry for more than a century. Detroit is also home to Motown, one of the culture’s most revered musical styles and Black-owned music labels, founded by Barry Gordy in 1959. It served as the catalyst for Black music becoming some of the most popular music, not only in America but also across the globe. Throughout his music, Big Sean has always amplified his city’s stance in the world and its impact on culture. Now, he’s taking it a step further, partnering with Pensole Lewis College of...

Sep 26, 2024

The 8 Most In-Demand Undergraduate Degrees, According To The 2024 National Association Of Colleges And Employers Survey

There are so many paths to success that people looking to begin or further develop careers have many options. The pathways to advancement are endless, from becoming an entrepreneur to becoming a social media influencer. However, many people are still interested in pursuing the more traditional route of earning a college degree and attaining a corporate job, or leveraging that education to start their own business. If attending college is on your radar, maximizing your earning potential starts before the first job interview. Evidence suggests that the launch of a fruitful career begins with choosing a major that can potentially lead to a higher-than-average salary. According to the 2024 National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) survey, the highest salaries are attributed to those who major in STEM disciplines. These fields, particularly engineering and computer science, dominate the list of highest-paying majors. Their high salaries are fueled by a strong demand for...

Sep 24, 2024

NASA Highlights STEM Engagement For Underrepresented Students At 2024 HBCU Week Conference

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA ) spent time at the 2024 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Week Conference in Philadelphia, PA, showcasing its initiatives aimed at engaging underrepresented and underserved students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The conference — which started Sept. 15, 2024, and ends Sept. 19 — is part of an ongoing White House initiative that brings together the nation’s leading HBCU leaders to celebrate the vital role the institutions will continue to play in advancing workforce development, economic advancement, and higher education. According to NASA , one of the highlights of its participation at the event is the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), featuring a hackathon where students will develop innovative solutions that benefit humanity. This year, the focus was on using NASA technologies to tackle common...

Sep 19, 2024

Here’s Everything We Know About Sasha Obama’s Time In College, Including Her Major, The Schools She Attended, And More

Graduating from college is a big deal. Anyone who’s ever pursued higher education knows that there’s something different about managing a college workload versus high school or the lower grades. So, when a graduate finally crosses the stage and moves their tassel from one side of their graduation cap to the other, it’s well deserved.   For many, the journey from the first day of freshman year to graduation day can include some twists and turns. Most recently, Sasha Obama, the youngest of former President Barack Obama’s children, just graduated from the University of Southern California (USC) last year. Here’s everything we know about her college career and what’s on the horizon for her in the future. The Youngest Obama Child Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their daughters Sasha and Malia are introduced to the crowd of supporters in Chicago’s Grant Park as the new first family. (Photo by Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis via Getty Images) Most people remember when Sasha (then 7) and her...

As A Harvard University Graduate, Barack and Michelle Obama's Oldest Daughter, Malia Obama, Is Charting Her Own Course In The Film Industry

For most college students, school’s been back in session for a few weeks and the fall semester is well underway. While some are just starting out and others are wrapping up their academic career, this is still a period that marks endless possibilities as students everywhere are laying the foundations for their career paths. Although it’s always easy to look to people with a decade or more of experience in their field for inspiration, it’s equally impressive to see how recent graduates are faring — especially those who’ve spent nearly their entire lives in the spotlight. In particular, Malia Obama is a Harvard University graduate who’s made a name for herself so that she stands separate from her famous parents, Barack and Michelle Obama. Malia is the couple’s oldest daughter and is making a name for herself as a film director. But how did she get here, and what was her academic journey like?   Malia Obama: A Look Back On Her Journey Photo Credit: Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis Malia Obama...

Black Male Enrollment In HBCUs Has Reached A Historic Decline, Falling Below The Previous Lowest Average From 1976

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been a staple in Black American culture. With touted alums like Vice President Kamala Harris, Chadwick Boseman, Shannon Sharpe, Taraji P. Henson, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., HBCU graduates have positively influenced and impacted several industries. Despite the challenges, HBCUs have shown remarkable resilience. Their deep cultural histories and the long list of influential alums stand as a testament to their enduring importance in the Black academic experience. Why Are Black Males Enrolling Less? However, recent data shows a decline in enrollment among Black males. According to the American Institute for Boys and Men, HBCUs have seen a general enrollment decline of 11% since 2010, a trend that mirrors what’s happening across higher education. However, the drop in enrollment among Black male students is more significant, with a 25% decrease at HBCUs compared to a 22% decline at all institutions. Although the percentage...

Aug 29, 2024

Applying to College? Consider California's Only HBCU

When most people think of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), southern schools like Morehouse, Spelman, and of course Howard immediately come to mind. This is understandable, given the history of when most HBCUs began to pop up around this country. Before the Great Migration sent many Black people north in search of prosperity, the bulk of Black Americans lived in the South. So, when white colleges and universities barred Black students from attending, the community answered the call and began to create institutions of higher learning , and eventually also fraternities and sororities. However, the first HBCU was actually Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1837. Overwhelmingly, most HBCUs are located in the South, with a sprinkling of schools in a few northern states. But, there is an HBCU on the West Coast, and it’s located in California. The Only HBCU in California Even though there’s just one HBCU in California, it’s an integral one. Charles R. Drew...

These HBCUs Have Summer Courses You Can Tap Into For Free

Summer is here, which could mean wearing less and going out more. However, for some, it means doubling down on learning and growth. And who doesn’t want a little elevation alongside an epic cookout? Depending on where a person is on their academic journey, several Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offer courses to prepare students to be college — and university — ready or to advance their current collegiate status or expertise. Below is a list of schools and programs that offer summer programs for little to no cost. While these programs have been previously noted as free, interested applicants should check with the school’s financial aid office or website for details regarding courses and programs. Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, TX) Prairie View offers a bridge program for incoming first-year students and students 17 and under. Many of the programs are free or minimally expensive. The school also provides youth and teen summer camps for various...

Jul 29, 2024

AJ Nettles Created An App To Help People Store Their Passwords And Received The Opportunity To Present It To Apple's CEO

AJ Nettles wants to work at Apple one day after meeting CEO Tim Cook. The second-year student attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham has affirmed his journey in cybersecurity, one that began at an early age tinkering with computers while living in the small town of Monroeville, AL. “Our family had our first computer near when I was 5, and I really had fun interacting and playing around with it, learning about the internet and things like that,” Nettles told AFROTECH™. “Then I like to play games, so that kind of helped feed back into learning about technology overall, like computer science, and thinking about how it works and stuff. I was first exposed to it when I was young.” By the time Nettles reached the end of his time at Monroe County High School, he gained robotics experience and became more interested in learning about computer science and building technologies. “I had a bunch of different accounts for everything to play my games and email and all that. And I used...

Jul 23, 2024

Higher Education Is Expensive, But It Doesn’t Have To Be Inaccessible — Here's A Guide To Maximize The Financial Aid Process

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...

Jul 18, 2024