Propel Center, the global HBCU technology and innovation hub committed to developing a diverse talent pipeline, announced today the recipients of its 2022 Student Impact Scholarships. The $1,000,000 program, created in collaboration with Apple and Southern Company, is designed to support HBCU students interested in pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, arts and entertainment, agri-tech, social justice, energy and health.
Individuals who are sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students were eligible to participate in the program, with these finalists selected as part of the first cohort to receive $10,000 in academic scholarship funds, along with unique and cutting-edge work-based learning opportunities. Applicants were challenged to complete and submit an online application, and a self-created video or infographic describing how their career interest in one of the designated industry pillars aligned with the Propel mission and vision.
“Bold and innovative programs such as these are essential to preparing HBCU students for the global workforce and careers of the future,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center-HBCU Consortium. “We were honored to launch this competitive scholarship program that will unlock unprecedented new opportunities for our Black scholars at HBCUs, and level the playing field.”
“We believe education is a powerful force for equity, and that all students should have access to cutting-edge learning opportunities to pursue new skills and career pathways in high-demand industries,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “These scholarships are part of our long-term commitment to support today’s HBCU learners with the tools and resources to become tomorrow’s leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators.”
“We take great pride in helping to shape a diverse and inclusive workforce of the future,” said Chris Womack, chairman and CEO of Georgia Power. “By supporting HBCUs, we create new opportunities for the students of today to become future leaders, innovators and trailblazers.”
To learn more about the Student Impact scholarship program and how it will benefit students, Propel will host an Instagram Live conversation with “HBCU Buzz” on Wednesday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. ET. Guests will include REVOLT On-Air Host Brianna Harmon; Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center-HBCU Consortium and HBCU student scholarship award winners. Viewers can tune in to the conversation by following @hbcubuzz and @propelcenter, and the hashtag #PropelForward.
The full list of Propel scholars for 2022 is as follows:
Alabama State University – Leon Payne and Guy Samandari
Alcorn State University – Acacia Calvin, Narkeshia Green, Tylah Magee and Isaiah Muhammad
Benedict College – Akil Dyson
Bethune Cookman University – Amari Carthan, Destanee Clark, Anjae Levias, Keeon Miller, Ty’Ron Mills
Christopher Hendrix Merriweather and Sophie Soius
Bishop State Community College – Celyse Drew-Robinson
Bowie State University – Ky’Shaun Bradford and Tyren Walker
Clark Atlanta University – Madysen Forney, Victoria Guerrero, Cameron Randle and Essence Spears
Dillard University – Victoria Hardy
Edward Waters University – LaDonna Milton and Obiajuru Triumph Nwadiokwu
Florida A&M University – Jalyn Baker, Jacqui Paige, Aniyah Sparks and Mya Wright
Fisk University – Jeremiah C. Armstead
Grambling State University – Destney Johnson
Howard University – Gavin Kelley and Christina Littlejohn
Huston Tillotson University – Ckyra Anthony, Idris Oyebamiji and Samuel Oyetakin
Jackson State University – Alexandria Williams
Johnson C. Smith University – John Josiah
Meharry Medical College – Elizer Harris
Miles College – Stephen Barclay, Deja Brooks, Jaeden Henderson, Ty’Janae Livers, Ronald Moore Jr, Destiny Shepherd and Jeremy Turner
Morehouse College – Jacobi Mitchell, Robert Norwood, Dwayne Pittman III, Kye Sabbath and David Totty
Morgan State University – Cierra Robinson
Morris Brown College – Julian Ross
Norfolk State University – Indya Richards
North Carolina A&T University – Jeremiah Smith, Thaddeus Stewart, Christen Daniel and Tamyah Johnson
North Carolina Central University – Tyler Fisher
Oakwood University – Makayla Monroe-Owens
Paul Quinn College – Darion Barrie
Prairie View A&M University – Devaughn Pryor
Savannah State University – Camille Gladney
Southern University Law Center – Marina Castro
Spelman College – Jalyn Bradford, Alana Burrell, Dakota Carter, Zoe Carter, Aiyana Edwards, Mckenzie Franklin, Michelle Herring, Harmony Hicks, Brianna Latham, Gabriella Lee, Simaya Larry, Nadya Lopez, Raven May, Sanaa Rowser, Sierra Sands, Aya Settles, Nia Turner, Jadyn Wheaton, Lauren Williams and Morgan Wills
Texas Southern University – Joshua Gibson
West Virginia State University – Cedric Caschetta
Winston-Salem State University – Morgan Woodyard
Xavier University of Louisiana – Bethani Thomas and Zuri Williams