The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has announced the 2024 cohort of HBCU Scholars, marking the 10th anniversary of this transformative program.
This year, 110 students from 77 HBCUs nationwide, including several scholars from the Washington, D.C., area, have been selected for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to their communities.
Among the selected local scholars are:
- Ashley Anderson from Howard University, Washington, D.C.
- Sarah Amanda Owusu from Bowie State University, Bowie, MD
- Yassin Alallaq, an Arlington, VA, resident from Delaware State University, Dover, DE
- Michael Kevin Crossley Sr. from Virginia Union University, Sydney Lewis School of Business, Richmond, VA
Officials said their inclusion highlights the remarkable talent fostered within local HBCUs and reflects the D.C. area’s strong educational foundations and community spirit. Officials added that these students “exemplify the academic excellence and leadership potential the HBCU Scholars program seeks to recognize and support.”
“For 10 years, the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our historically Black colleges and universities—a recognition that reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination to fight for our nation’s HBCUs and their immense contributions to excellence and diversity in higher education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow. We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.”
Since its inception in 2014, the HBCU Scholars program has helped over 500 students, providing them invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship, and networking. Representing 23 states and 11 countries, this year’s cohort includes students from diverse disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math, humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons. They will also have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and program alumni, further enriching their educational experience. Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s mission to “Raise the Bar,” students in the program are encouraged to lift their communities, unite others around student success, work to strengthen our democracy and grow our economy.
A critical component of the HBCU Scholars Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. The partnership includes the Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC). Through the MITTIC program, HBCU Scholars will collaborate to develop ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property that can improve their campuses and surrounding communities.
HBCU Scholars will also be invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, held Sept. 15–19 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This year’s conference theme is “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” During the conference, HBCU Scholars will participate in sessions designed to engage a spirit of innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development. Further, officials said HBCU Scholars will have opportunities to engage with one another, initiative staff, and partners to showcase their individual and collective talent further.
Following the conference, officials said HBCU Scholars will be invited to participate in programs, events, and monthly master classes designed to enhance their professional development and create greater access to postgraduate opportunities within nonprofits, businesses, and federal agency partners to help ensure that we remain globally competitive as a nation.
“I am delighted to announce the 2024–2025 HBCU Scholars, representing 77 of our nation’s HBCUs. These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community,” said Dietra Trent, executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “I anticipate and look forward to our partnership over the next academic school year.”
