Several HBCU students from Mississippi chosen for White House HBCU program

Several people with ties to Mississippi were announced Tuesday as Historically Black College and University Scholars, part of a White House program that recognizes students for academic achievements.

Those in the White House Initiative for Historically Black Colleges and Universities' eighth class will represent their institutions as ambassadors while spending the next year networking and working to achieve their educational and career potential, according to a United States Department of Education news release.

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Of the more than 200 applicants, the 86 selected will represent 54 of the nation's HBCUs, including Alcorn State University, Mississippi Valley State University and Jackson State University, all located in Mississippi.

Students will also participate in monthly classes with program coordinators and other professionals. 

"Supporting the next generation of student leaders who will continue their education and graduate from HBCUs has been the highlight and joy of my career with the Initiative” Elyse Jones, the program coordinator, said.

Participants will be able to connect with nonprofit, business and federal leaders to identify challenges and provide equitable solutions to barriers they might face upon entering the workforce. 

“The HBCU Scholars announced today all have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their learning and exemplify the talent that our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities have nurtured for generations,” Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said. “The students who hold this honor are committed to creating a more just and equitable society through their civic engagement. They are leaders and change-makers in their communities, and I cannot wait to learn from them as they serve as ambassadors both for the White House Initiative and their institutions of higher education.” 

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The participants will also attend the 2021 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, from Sept. 7 to 10, where they will participate in sessions about entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal and professional development, the news release said. The theme for the conference is "Exploring Equity." 

Mississippi scholars: Who are they?

Of the eight people with ties to Mississippi, four are from Mississippi, seven attend schools in the state and one person from Mississippi attends a college in South Carolina.

• Ganesa Williams: From Columbus, attends Rust College in Holy Springs
• Jayla Berry: From Inkster, attends Benedict College in Columbia, SC
• Sydney Burks: From Jackson, attends Hinds Community College in Utica
• Kalon Johnson: From Pickens, attends Alcorn State University in Lorman
• Alexandria Williams: From North Little Rock, Arkansas, attends Jackson State University in Jackson
• Sydney Nelson: From Snellville, Georgia, attends Jackson State University in Jackson
• Kristopher Bond: From Havery, Illinois, attends Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena
• Iyunola Owoyemi: From Ekiti, Nigeria, attends Alcorn State University in Lorman

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