$6M grant to Claflin, Voorhees, Benedict to prep students for jobs

“This Carolina Cluster Pathway Program is our collaborative response to America’s need for talent and our graduates’ desire to be competitive in obtaining high-paying 21st century jobs,” said Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, president of Claflin University.

“Through the work of the program, we will leverage the capacity of our partner institutions and implement innovation strategies to nurture the talent of the students on our campuses as well as recent graduates and help make the story of the workforce of the 21st century one of increased diversity and inclusion,” he said.

The institutions received part of a $35.4 million grant under the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

The grant will help the institutions design and implement programs to improve employment outcomes for graduates.

The announcement came after a year-long process that initially targeted 87 eligible public and private historically black colleges and universities and predominantly black institutions.

Claflin is receiving $3.3 million; Benedict, $1.5 million, and Voorhees, $1.2 million.

Dr. David H. Swinton, president and CEO of Benedict College, said, “This grant will enhance our technology and ability to transform our student scholars into career-oriented professionals who will be true powers for good in our society.”

Voorhees College President Dr. W. Franklin Evans said, “Voorhees College is delighted to have received funding that will enable us to move our students from college to successful careers.

“We are proud of the long relationship we have forged with UNCF and are elated to have been selected for this opportunity. This grant provides us with additional resources to prepare our students to be competitive in this global society.”

Made possible through a $50 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the UNCF Career Pathways Initiative is a unique pilot program helping colleges and universities enhance career readiness for their 54,000 enrolled students.

As part of the initiative, the selected institutions will develop a range of academic programs, student internships, industry partnerships and specialty certifications as they forge a new model for career readiness.

“These colleges and universities show promise in significantly addressing the urgent challenges facing African American college students and graduates,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF president and CEO.

“We heartily congratulate Claflin University, Benedict College and Voorhees College and the other institutions chosen to lead this important work,” he said.