NEW YORK (WAVY/AP) — British-based beer and spirits maker Diageo is giving a combined $10 million to 25 historically Black colleges and universities across the United States, and on that list are two local schools.
Both Hampton University and Norfolk State University will be recipients of the award which the company says will be available for HBCU students across different disciplines and majors.
The funds will be distributed according to each institution’s financial aid process.
The money will create endowments to help colleges financially assist students. The company says it will also create innovation hubs at some of the colleges, providing students with experience, mentorships, guest lecturers, and helping faculty developing curriculum.
“We are proud to partner with these esteemed institutions and to do our part to help shape a more equitable society by providing opportunities for future leaders,” said Debra Crew, president, Diageo North America. “This initiative further deepens Diageo’s commitment to making a long term and sustainable impact on underrepresented communities.”
Hampton University announced it received a $1 million gift from Diageo North America to create a permanent endowment fund and provide financial aid grant.
The ‘Diageo Endowed Scholarship Fund’ will support 10 Hampton University students annually, with an award of $2,000 each. Student recipients must be sophomores, juniors or seniors, and must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. The scholarship is open to all majors, but the University says it will give preference to Engineering, Chemistry, Marketing, and Communications majors.
In addition, a ‘Diageo Last Dollar Scholarship Fund’ will be created for one year and will provide 20 scholarships of $1250 each for students meeting the criteria for this award.
The company also says that with the goal of helping to change the complexion of the beverage alcohol industry, Diageo North America has committed to taking a step to build a pipeline of talented leaders through an internship platform over the coming years.
The program will provide opportunities for HBCU students to gain valuable work experience at a fast pace that could help them with their future career aspirations or jump-start their career in the consumer goods industry.
Diageo makes Guinness beer, Johnnie Walker whiskies and Smirnoff vodka among other brands.
Read the full release here.