Florida A&M University announced last month that it had received $1 million in funding from Bank of America.
According to a press release issued by FAMU on Nov. 19, the million-dollar initiative will be helping students of color successfully complete the education and training necessary to enter the workforce and embark on a path to success.
This initiative is part of Bank of America’s $1 billion, four-year commitment to advance racial equality and economic opportunity as well as its $25 million commitment to support job initiatives in Black and Hispanic communities.
The press release also included a statement from FAMU President Larry Robinson, who expressed his gratitude for the Bank of America partnership initiative.
“This partnership addresses one of the most fundamental issues facing our students — ensuring they have the financial resources to capitalize on educational opportunities that prepare them for high-demand job opportunities in a constantly evolving world,” Robinson said. “This partnership will also help us improve students’ retention and graduation rates, as limited finances are too often the stumbling block for many of our otherwise extremely talented students.”
Vice President of University Advancement Shawnta Friday-Stroud spoke with The Famuan about how the $1 million will be used to directly benefit students at FAMU.
“These funds will go a long way for ensuring the success of our students to help them one, reduce student loan debt in the way of scholarships but then also to provide additional support for them to get industry certifications, to increase their employee ability skills,” Friday-Stroud said. “Bank of America is committed to ensuring that minority students are prepared to enter the work force and to helping them get their college education, helping them get training and skills that will help them find high wage and high demand jobs.”
William Hudson, vice president of the Office of Student Affairs, says that this funding will provide great opportunities for students at FAMU’s Career and Professional Development Center.
“These funds are a great opportunity to assist our students with preparation for a global economy through the utilization of the Career and Professional Development Center,” said Hudson. “These funds will provide preparatory skills and experiences for students in all majors through the Career and Professional Development Center.”
The Career and Professional Development Center offers students services such as resume reviews, interview practice and appointments with career specialists, all of things that help prepare students for successful jobs and careers after graduation.
More information on the Career and Professional Development Center can be found at www.famu.edu/index.cfm?careercenter.