Federal funding for Tuskegee University (TU) has created a historic opportunity for one of its students. In 2024, the HBCU received $6.7 million in federal funding to launch a flight program that would establish a bachelor’s degree in aviation science, according to AL.com. The program offers training in aerodynamics, aircraft structures and meteorology, AL.com reports. The program also incorporates hands-on education, including flight training, to prepare students for private and commercial pilot certificates. “This program will create opportunities for young aviators who dream of spending their lives soaring through the skies — here and around the world,” Charlotte P. Morris, former president of Tuskegee University, said in a 2024 news release, according to AL.com. The outlet also notes that the school hopes to honor and continue the excellence of the Tuskegee Airmen, who fought in World War II and made history as the first Black flying units in the U.S. military. According to the...

Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, MD, is moving forward with plans to launch its own medical school after receiving a $1.75 million grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), the HBCU announced in a news release. “This investment represents a pivotal moment for Morgan and for the communities we serve,” said David K. Wilson, president of Morgan State University, per the release. “For more than a decade, we have been committed to the idea that a medical school on our campus can be transformative — not only for our students but for the state of Maryland and the nation. With the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s support, we are charting a new course toward a public, nonprofit M.D. program that will train physicians where they are most needed, close gaps in care and reflect the diversity of the populations served.” Endia DeCordova, vice president for Institutional Advancement at the university, said the grant highlights “the importance of strategic philanthropy in...

Robert Golden’s vision has always been to serve others. This vision dawned on Golden during his athletic career at the University of Arizona and in the NFL, he shared in an interview with AFROTECH™. His mission has been shaped by his upbringing in Fresno, CA, an area he described as “one of the most impoverished” and “under-resourced” in the state. The chances of overcoming significant obstacles to achieve wealth can seem slim, and even more so for making it to the NFL, a feat accomplished by only 0.016% of college players, according to AS. That he was able to reach such heights further inspired him to help others do the same. Golden Charter Academy Golden started his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent six seasons on its roster before signing a free agent deal with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018, according to the Chiefs’ official website. However, soon after he asked to be released from his contract and retired from the NFL. While still in the league, he realized he...

Hadiyah Mujhid is looking to diversify the world of venture capital (VC). Formation Of HBCUvc The mission of this University of Maryland Eastern Shore graduate was born from a career pivot. In an interview with ForbesBLK, Mujhid recalled her earlier venture, Picturely, which was launched in 2011. The computer vision startup shaped her understanding of VC and the barriers faced by underserved communities. While she closed that chapter, she explained that she was “walking toward a bigger, more systemic challenge.” In 2017, she launched HBCUvc, a nonprofit organization that creates pathways for Black communities to access funding or become investors, according to the organization’s website. She believed in its vision so strongly that she pulled from her personal savings, took up freelance consulting and applied for grants in her first year, she shared with ForbsBLK. Additionally, she secured an investment from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “I was fortunate to receive support...

In an era where student debt is a pressing national concern and economic volatility has graduates unsettled about their future careers , choosing the right major has become critical. Your choice of degree can influence not only your first job but the trajectory of your career, financial well-being and social mobility. While passion and personal interests are still vital components of long-term career satisfaction, potential salary and job security are increasingly being weighed in college decisions. In this guide, we’ll explore majors that can help pave the way to wealth along with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) that students may be considering . What Degree Makes The Most Millionaires? All degrees are not created equal when it comes to becoming a millionaire. While attaining such wealth does not always correlate to majors or schooling at all, there are some degrees that consistently result in high paying roles. According to data collected by WealthInsight and...

An investment in the future of Newark, NJ, kindergarten students is underway. According to a press release from the Newark Board of Education, Newark kindergarten students will benefit from a $150,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation . This grant will be allocated to Newark Public Schools through the Newark Saves College Savings Program. Beginning in September at the start of the 2025-26 academic year, the program will provide 3,000 incoming kindergarten students with college savings accounts . The press release notes that Shané Harris, the vice president of inclusive solutions and president of the Prudential Foundation, said the investment honors a commitment to building financial security foundations in the area and globally. The initiative was announced on Aug. 20 and is supported by a partnership with the FOCUS Hispanic Center for Community Development. “It’s not too soon to start thinking about 2038, when this year’s kindergartners will be starting college,” Newark Public...

Shaquille O’Neal is backing a scholarship to support the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs. What Is Campus As AFROTECH™ previously reported, O’Neal is an investor in Campus, a two-year accredited school with part-time instructors from top universities. It was founded by Tade Oyerinde to ensure students receive a debt-free education. “We did not want to add $1 to the pile of student loan debt in this country…That’s super key for me,” Oyerinde said on the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast. Campus Merit Scholars Program Oyerinde has raised millions for the education venture, and O’Neal is one of its investors, in addition to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Discord Founder Jason Citron. Now, O’Neal is strengthening his commitment to the student population through his involvement with the Campus Merit Scholars Program. A press release states that students selected as “Shaq Scholars” will be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship to pursue an associate degree in business...

Sophie L. Gibson is making history in her new role at Saint Augustine’s University (SAU). As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the Raleigh, NC-based private HBCU lost its appeal for accreditation in March 2025 and entered into a 90-day arbitration process to ensure students graduating through May 2025 would still obtain their diplomas, per ABC 11. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) voted to remove the school from its membership due to financial and governance challenges in December 2023. SAU’s appeal stemmed from a decision that said it would be removed “from membership for failure to comply with Core Requirement 4.1 (Governing board characteristics), Core Requirement 13.1 (Financial resources), Core Requirement 13.2 (Financial documents), Standard 13.3 (Financial responsibility), Standard 13.4 (Control of finances), Standard 13.5 (Control of sponsored research/external funds) and Standard 13.6 (Federal and state responsibilities) of the...

If you’ve ever been the person who remembers everyone’s birthday, obscure facts or entire movie scripts after a single watch, you could be tapping into a cognitive superpower — and it’s more valuable than you may think. A strong memory can be a significant academic and career asset , especially when channeled correctly. Some fields require deep memorization, while others rely on recognizing patterns or retaining large amounts of information over time. Whether your memory is naturally sharp or developed through practice, there are majors specifically suited for those with good memory . But what does having a good memory mean, and how can it guide your academic choices? Here’s what to know. What Does It Mean If You Have A Very Good Memory? A “good memory” is more than just recalling facts or trivia. It often reflects how your brain encodes, stores and retrieves information, according to Psychology Today . People with excellent memory tend to be particularly good at encoding, which is...

Bowie State University, Maryland’s first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) , has received new funding to increase the number of nurse educators in the state. According to a school news release, the university has been awarded a $2.2 million grant from the Maryland Department of Nursing, administered through the Maryland Higher Education Commission, marking the department’s largest grant to date. The funding will be used to support 20 doctoral faculty members in its Ph.D. program over four years with the overarching goal of advancing the nursing workforce by bolstering nurse educators statewide. Bowie State University serves over 6,100 students, according to the school’s LinkedIn. It offers 29 undergraduate majors, 21 master’s degree programs, 16 specialty certificates and three doctoral programs with focus areas such as science, technology, business, education and related disciplines, its website states. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there will be 193,100...

Ashanti is more than a Grammy-winning singer . She’s a businesswoman, actress, and entertainment industry mainstay who’s remained relevant for over two decades. Bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s with a voice that defined a generation of R&B, Ashanti quickly transitioned from chart-topping newcomer to multifaceted mogul. Her work with Murder Inc., her successful solo career, and later ventures in film, publishing, and entrepreneurship have all contributed to her staying power and growing wealth. So, how much is Ashanti’s net worth today? How did she build that net worth over the years? Let’s take a look at her earnings, assets, and the business decisions behind her success. Breaking Records In The Early 2000s Ashanti’s career took off in 2002 with the release of her self-titled debut album. It sold over three million copies and went triple platinum within months. That same year, she became the first female artist to hold the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart...

The five-year pause is over. And for more than 5 million Americans, it’s about to get real. Starting May 5, the Department of Education will resume student loan debt collection for borrowers in default. These are individuals who haven’t made payments in at least 270 days. After years of pandemic-era relief dating back to 2020, the federal government is flipping the switch back on. This time, it’s bringing wage garnishments, seized tax refunds, and a wave of financial pressure with it. This isn’t just a policy shift for people already juggling rent, groceries, and gas; it’s a potential financial blow. The Government’s Warning Shot About Student Loan Debt ABC News reports that emails will go out to borrowers over the next two weeks. If you’re in default, you’ll be asked to either make a payment or enter a repayment plan. But if you don’t? The government has clarified that it will begin collecting through legal mechanisms like intercepting tax refunds , dipping into Social Security,...

Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.” Autumn Lockwood’s collegiate and professional journey embodies this spirit of resilience and perseverance. Her story isn’t just about accolades—it’s about the power of persistence to overcome barriers often encountered in a male-dominated industry. From the classroom to the sidelines of football’s grandest stage, Lockwood’s path proves that Black History still happens daily. Lockwood’s Educational Foundation And Academic Journey Autumn Lockwood’s educational journey paved the way for her career in sports performance. According to the Philadelphia Eagles’ official website, she earned her bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Arizona, where she built a strong foundation in athlete development and sports science. She furthered her expertise by completing a master’s degree in sports management at East Tennessee State University, gaining valuable experience and insights that...

For Los Angeles Lakers fans, one of this season’s highlights has been reveling in the groundbreaking father-son duo of LeBron and Bronny James this past season, as the pair have made history playing beside one another. Now, LeBron’s youngest son Bryce may be on pace to join them, as he has officially announced his intention to play for the University of Arizona ‘s Wildcats this coming fall. Bryce James was voraciously pursued by several appealing Pac-12 schools over the last few weeks, with the Tucson-based school apparently offering the most compelling welcome package. The rising star’s choice was commended with comments from numerous NBA legends, including Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford, Rachel Nichols and of course, LeBron himself. Bryce’s older brother famously played just one season with his college of choice before declaring for the NBA draft , meaning we could potentially see a triumvirate of players from the prolific James family as early as 2027. So, let’s take a moment to...

Reginae Carter, the daughter of hip-hop icon Lil Wayne and actress Toya Wright, has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry and beyond. Known for her role as an actress, entrepreneur, and social media influencer, Reginae has carefully built her career while embracing her famous lineage. Whether it’s her acting roles, her influence as a social media personality, or her entrepreneurial ventures, Reginae continues to grow her personal brand. As the daughter of one of the most influential rappers of all time, she has access to significant resources and opportunities but has shown a strong commitment to creating a name for herself, independent of her father’s success. Reality TV Success Carter is best known for her role in the reality show “Toya: A Family Affair,” which helped launch her career in the public eye. She later appeared in multiple acting roles, including films like “Dear Santa, I Need a Date ” and “Pride & Prejudice: Atlanta” . Beyond her acting, Reginae has...