The 31st annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge( HCASC) for HBCUs in America was expected to take place late March in California, where 48 coaches and 250 students could partake the function. Unfortunately, the championship had to be canceled at the rise of the COVID -19 pandemic, and the funds relocated to support local communities at these difficult times of fighting the pandemic. Honda now partners with 58 HBCUs to create COVID -19 relief initiatives that will address challenges faced by their local communities. In so doing, the HBCUs have donated to charity organizations to cater for critical problems like Medicare and food insecurity for the homeless, families, senior citizens, and frontline healthcare workers’ protection.
Since the May 1st, HBCUs have received a total of $325,000 from Honda, which has helped to support at least 108 organizations from 20 countries. Steve Morikawa, Vice President of Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility at American Honda said, “In these unprecedented times, our commitment to HBCUs is stronger than ever.” “We know that recent events have presented challenges for HBCU communities, and we’re working closely with HBCU presidents and local leaders on ways to best serve their communities.”
Addressing Health and Food Insecurity Concerns
Honda’s funds utilization is as follows;
• “The Florida A&M University-Bond Community Health Center COVID-19 Test Site is responsible for over 10,500 tests taken since the 25th of April. Thanks to the generous contributions from Honda and other supporters, we have been able to provide meals for university and community volunteers who contribute to the site’s operation. With the support of the Florida Department of Health, other states, and municipal partners, this site is open to everyone; however, its location in an African American community provides access to individuals adversely impacted by the virus.” – Dr. Larry Robinson, president of Florida A&M University
• “No student should have to worry about hunger. The allocation of Honda’s grant to our campus food pantry, The Store@HU, will allow hundreds of students to focus on their education instead of worrying about a basic need. This boost of support for students is much appreciated in light of our extraordinary circumstances.” – Jess Agyepong, HCASC team captain and Howard University senior.
• “Livingstone College is grateful in its efforts to provide relief to the Rowan-Salisbury Community through the benevolent support of Honda. Considering our city’s vulnerable Populations, Livingstone College designated Meals on Wheels of Rowan, Inc., an organization that provides nourishment and wellness checks to elderly and disabled Populations, and the Terrie Hess House, a nationally-accredited child advocacy center Committed to bringing awareness to stop child abuse, and be recipients of the Assistance grants. As these are critical times in our world where many are unable to give, Livingstone College appreciates being of service and in partnership with a dream Maker.” – Da’Tarvia Parrish, HCASC coach, Livingstone College
• “Paine College is pleased to have had the opportunity to give back to the Augusta, Georgia community through the grant funds made available by American Honda to the ‘Great 48’ HBCUs scheduled to compete in the 2020 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament. Recognizing the need to address food insecurity, especially during this pandemic, the contribution to the Golden Harvest Food Bank was a good choice, and the College was delighted to be able to assist.” – Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, president of Paine College
• “We want to thank Honda for their continued support of HBCUs. Prairie View was able to use the funds to support non-profit community-based organizations that were financially devastated by the pandemic. These organizations provide vital resources and services to the community, and we were thrilled to partner with Honda to be of assistance.” – Ruth J. Simmons, president of Prairie View A&M University.
Three-Decades of Honda’s Commitment to HBCUs
For more than three decades, HBCUs’ success has been supported by Hondas support through various initiatives, including Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) and Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC). Honda has supported over 200,000 scholars, with more than $12 million in scholarships to support education programs and improve facilities for the HBCUs. In the expansion of its investment, Honda has collaborated with Thurgood Marshall College Fund to support HBCUs annually.
About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility
Over 60 years, Honda has been devoted to conducting its business sustainably, nurturing an inclusive and diverse workplace. Honda attempts to support our communities by giving back to society. Additionally, Honda helps people reach their life’s potential by inspiring the underserved scholars, assisting children to heal, supporting communities, and inspiring underrepresented students, ensuring public safety, and conserving the environment. For more information, visit http://csr.honda.com/.
