FAMU gets huge Google grant to help create opportunities for Black students in STEM industry
Photo courtesy Google
By Andrew J. Skerritt
FAMU Office of Communications
FAMU is one of 10 institutions to receive a $5 million donation from Google, the university announced last Friday. The grant is earmarked to help create pathways and opportunities for increased diverse representation in the STEM industry.
The one-time unrestricted financial grant will provide FAMU with support for scholarships, technological infrastructure support, career readiness and curriculum development.
“Google’s $50M investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities shows a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and an appreciation of the value HBCUs bring with regards to the talent and ingenuity of our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson. “FAMU is proud to be a part of this historic partnership with Google and fellow HBCUs which will help produce the next generation of leaders and innovators in information technology and computer science.”
Over the last three years, Robinson has been among HBCU presidents to hold ongoing discussions with Google senior leadership about internships and other opportunities for FAMU and other HBCU graduates and students. The grant reflects the company’s commitment to diversity, especially in the tech industry, said Melonie Parker, Google chief diversity officer.
“I’m delighted to provide our HBCU partners with a $50 million unrestricted grant. These institutions are actively shaping the next generation of Black leaders and are helping build a more diverse workforce across all industries,” Parker said. “This investment further solidifies our commitment to providing access and opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.”
This investment builds on Google’s Pathways to Tech initiative, which was announced earlier this year and is designed to build equity for HBCU computing education, help job seekers find tech roles, and ensure that Black employees have growth opportunities and feel included at work.
The other nine HBCUs receiving funds include: Claflin University, S.C.; Clark Atlanta University, Ga.; Howard University, D.C.; Morgan State University, Md.; NC A&T State University, N.C.; Prairie View A&M University, Texas; Spelman College, Ga.; Tuskegee University, Ala.; and Xavier University, La.
