Eleven historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), in South Carolina, Virginia, North Carolina, and Ohio received $35 million from Dominion Energy, through an initiative meant to promote higher education equity. The “HBCU Promise” initiative will offer $25 million to selected institutes, for six years. A $10 million grant fund will be used to support underrepresented minority and African American students, throughout the company’s service territory.
Thomas F. Farrell, II, the company’s CEO, president, and chairman, announced the following: “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. We have actually partnered with HBCUs for nearly 40 years, offering volunteer and financial support. As I have said before, we are humbled and honored to continue supporting them with this current initiative.”
Dominion Energy considered several factors in selecting the institutions, including past partnerships, opportunities to make an instant impact, and locations with a substantial customer. In configuring the contracts, the company will focus on urgent capital needs, endowment and grants, and operating needs.
The following schools will receive the donations:
Ohio
• Wilberforce University
• Central State University
South Carolina
• Benedict College
• South Carolina State University
• Claflin University
• Allen University
North Carolina
• North Carolina A&T State University
Virginia
• Hampton University
• Virginia Union University
• Norfolk State University
• Virginia State University
This program is an addition to a current $5 million promise made by Dominion Energy Company and its charitable foundation to promote community reconciliation, rebuilding, and social justice.
