U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona praised the exceptional talents and inclusivity of the 2023 HBCU Scholars. Recipients include diverse students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
"Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities," Cardona said in a news release.
Cardona enthusiastically applauded the remarkable talents and dedication to inclusion showcased by the 2023 HBCU Scholars. The recent announcement, made July 20, unveiled a diverse group of exceptional undergraduate, graduate and professional students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from 29 different states and countries, including places like Alabama, Wisconsin, Kenya and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The White House Initiative on Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities oversees the HBCU Scholars program. This year's selection process was highly competitive, with more than 300 applicants vying for the prestigious title. Eventually, 102 students enrolled in 70 HBCUs were chosen to represent the program.
According to the release, throughout the academic year, these HBCU Scholars will act as ambassadors for the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education and their HBCUs. They will be encouraged to elevate their communities, foster unity around student success, strengthen democracy and aid in economic growth.
Also highlighted in the announcement is the significant role the Department of Education's partnership with NASA played in the program. The collaboration integrates the Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), known as "Mini MITTIC," into the HBCU Scholar Program.
Torry Johnson, MUREP manager, expressed excitement about the program, saying, "NASA’s MUREP is thrilled, once again, to engage with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to enhance the learning experience for this year’s cohort of White House Scholars," the release reported.
Johnson also expressed eager anticipation for the innovative ideas the HBCU Scholars will develop during the MITTIC Hack-a-thon, utilizing NASA's technology portfolio, reaffirming their steadfast support for the HBCU community.
