RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia State University is among 11 historically black colleges and universities across the country that will receive support through a $35 million initiative aimed at promoting higher education equity.
The six-year “HBCU Promise” program will provide funding to select institutions, and a $10 million scholarship fund will support African American and underrepresented minority students across the company’s service territory
“We have all been witness to our country's evolving conversation on race and social justice. The country is changing, and we have been looking for ways that we can make a difference. Investing in these important institutions –which serve as a springboard for social and economic mobility for so many –is one way we can help," said Thomas F. Farrell, II, Dominion Energy's chairman, president, and chief executive officer.
In selecting the institutions, Dominion looked at a range of factors, including locations with a significant customer presence, past partnerships and opportunities to make an immediate impact.
“We are grateful for Dominion’s nearly 40 years of volunteer and financial support to HBCUs,”said VSU President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “This initiative will make an impactful difference at VSU as we continue providing a transformative educational experience to our students.”
In structuring the partnerships, the company will focus on four general areas: operating needs, urgent capital needs, endowment, and scholarships. Other schools in Virginia that will receive funding include Virginia Union, Hampton, and Norfolk State.
