Corporations are doing more to help historically Black colleges and universities stay alive, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, Alabama Power and its parent operator, Southern Company donated $150,000 to support Talladega College to go towards infrastructure and technology needs for the campus.
“We are so grateful to receive this generous grant from Alabama Power
and Southern Company. With record-breaking enrollment increases and three new buildings on campus, our technology needs have increased significantly,” said Talladega College President Dr. Billy C. Hawkins in a press statement sent to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “In addition, the coronavirus pandemic has altered the way we serve our students and created new challenges. This grant will help us continue to provide an outstanding academic experience for students by expanding our technology capabilities.The generous gift is part of the company’s $50 million HBCU Initiative to support a multi-year funding strategy that started at the beginning of the year to support HBCU students by providing access to technology and to support innovation in historically Black colleges.
“Our
hope is that this funding will draw further recognition to schools like Talladega College and deepen partnerships between business and civic leaders and these vital institutions,” said Mr. Terry Smiley, Alabama Power’s Eastern Division Vice President. “HBCUs are at the forefront of innovation and academic excellence in Alabama, and across the country, and we hope that our company’s investment will only accelerate this important work.”