Rep. Alma Adams, D-N.C.
Throughout the day, HBCU leaders made their case for sustained industry partnerships and significant federal investments in the historic institutions that contribute nearly $15 billion annually to the nation’s economy and produce 42 percent of Black engineers, among other competent and prepared graduates.
“When you look at historically Black colleges and universities, we are probably the most diverse organizations that you can think of,” said U.S. Rep. Alma S. Adams, D-NC, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and a two-time graduate of an HBCU. “So when tech companies and corporations are looking to diversify their business, that’s the place to look. You can’t really talk about diversity and inclusion without talking about HBCUs. That’s where the talent is.”
During the STEAM Day of Action’s kickoff breakfast, the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus announced that more than 20 new industry partners had accepted its HBCU Partnership Challenge. The initiative challenges corporations to create strategic partnerships with HBCUs to build a pipeline of diverse talent and prepare students with paid internships and experiential learning opportunities.
New partners of the challenge included Airbnb, Live Oak Bank, Spotify, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, SAS and Ally Bank.
“Celebrating and embracing our differences makes Ally a stronger and more unified company,” said Reggie Willis, senior director of diversity and inclusion and Early Talent Programs at Ally Financial. “Our ongoing efforts to support and recruit talent from historically Black colleges and universities makes the HBCU Partnership Challenge and HBCU STEAM Day of Action a natural fit for Ally and our efforts to offer a work environment where all backgrounds, experiences, interests and skills are respected, appreciated and encouraged.”
