Category: News

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES GRANT FROM INASMUCH FOUNDATION

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By Langston University Office of Public Relations

LANGSTON, Okla. – Inasmuch Foundation has awarded Langston University a $200,000 grant for its “Forward Together Project,” a solutions-based media initiative designed to bring the historically rich and diverse communities within and surrounding its Langston, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City campuses.

Langston University is a historically black institution founded in 1897. With an enrollment of approximately 2,000, Langston University is the only HBCU in Oklahoma; and its core mission is education for service.
That dedication to service is at the heart of the Forward Together Project.

The history of Oklahoma, particularly the story of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, is well documented, and its impact continues to be palpable, influencing perceptions, relationships and interactions among locals and people far beyond the region.

Through storytelling, social media tools, engagement analytics and community forums; Langston University’s Broadcast Journalism program, known for award-winning student work, will house the Forward Together Project. Students under the direction of professional journalists and professors will provide a collaborative platform for residents and civic leaders who, while ever mindful of the painful scars of the Oklahoma’s past, are inspiring hope and changing the narrative.

“We are immensely proud of the accomplishments of our students and our faculty. This generous gift will allow them to utilize their talents and training to advance this important work,” said Langston University President Kent J. Smith, Jr.

Inasmuch Foundation, based in Oklahoma City, champions journalism, education, human services, and community to improve the quality of life for Oklahomans. Founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord in 1982, The Foundation has funded programs and initiatives at several other universities, and this is the first project Inasmuch Foundation has funded at Langston University.

“The Forward Together Project will provide first-hand professional opportunities to Langston University journalism students,” said Robert J. Ross, Inasmuch Foundation Chairman and CEO. “Forward Together will produce impactful stories and showcase the beginning of a talent pipeline of Black Oklahoma journalists.”

Production on the project is expected to begin immediately, with the first stories expected to air sometime in mid-2023. Langston University is planning a community engagement event for early 2023 to solicit ideas for future projects.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY RECEIVES TWO GRANTS TOTALING $5.6 MILLION FOR RESEARCH

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By Langston University Office of Public Relations

LANGSTON, OKLAHOMA – Langston University (LU), a historically Black college/university (HBCU), has been awarded two grants by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NDILRR), Administration for Community Living totaling $5.6 million: (1) Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Advancing Employment Equity for Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities ($4.6 million over 5 years) and (2) Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Solutions-Focused Translational Research to Enhance Equity in Employment Outcomes and Experiences Among Multiply Marginalized Persons of Color with Disabilities ($1 million over 5 years). Dr. Corey L. Moore, Professor and Founding Chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Disability Studies, will serve as Principal Investigator/Director for both grants.

“These major RRTC and post-doctoral ARRT grants help to position LU as a preeminent national leader on the frontier of cutting-edge employment and wealth equity research for multiply marginalized persons with disabilities and developing the future cadre of culturally competent under-represented equity research leaders, especially those with disabilities, available to study and generate translational solutions to these issues” said Moore, who is also the Principal Investigator the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Research and Capacity Building for Minority Entities at LU.

The first award, “RRTC on Advancing Employment Equity for Multiply Marginalized People with Disabilities” involves a consortium of researchers at the Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston, Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies (IHDPS) at the University of Kansas, Gallaudet University, Center for Transition and Career Innovation for Youth with Disabilities (CTCI) at the University of Maryland, College Park, Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities (RIIC) at the University of Montana, Kessler Foundation, and Institute on Disability (IoD) at the University of New Hampshire. The goal is to reduce employment disparities and wealth inequities experienced by multiply marginalized persons with disabilities as defined by race, ethnicity, LGBTQIA+ status, poverty status, and rural locale.

One of the key studies will be carried out in partnership with the Beginning Business Incubator and Fund Company (ITB) in the Hampton and Hampton Roads Virginia, Greensboro North Carolina and Monongalia West Virginia areas, training and mentoring multiply marginalized entrepreneurs with disabilities through small business start-up incubators (i.e., hybrid verses virtual incubator) to assess entrepreneurial outcomes. The new center will link ITB with the Gallaudet Innovation and Entrepreneurial Institute, Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, and Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services to recruit, train, and/or mentor these entrepreneurs as study participants.

The second award, “Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training (ARRT) Solutions-Focused Translational Research to Enhance Equity in Employment Outcomes and Experiences Among Multiply Marginalized Persons of Color with Disabilities” will train and mentor 4 to 6 post-doctoral fellows in collaboration with Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University ([NC A&T] HBCU), South Carolina State University (HBCU), and the Kessler Foundation. The goal is to enhance fellows’ research skills (i.e., methods and grant-writing) through mentorship, advanced research methods training seminars, and hands-on employment equity research and set them on course for stellar academic and research careers. The National Association of Multicultural Rehabilitation Concerns (NAMRC) will partner across both grants in helping to facilitate grant-writing trainings targeting underrepresented researchers, especially those with disabilities.

“The new RRTC and ARRT program are critical to the university and its unique HBCU status in contributing toward lessening the national burden of employment and economic inequality affecting people with disabilities from underserved communities through research and building the next generation of research leaders”, said Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr., President of Langston University.

Rehabilitation Research and Training Center grants fund coordinated, integrated and advanced programs of research, training, and information dissemination in topical areas specified by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR). These centers conduct research to improve rehabilitation methodology and service delivery systems, improve health and functioning; and promote employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. The Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training grants provide advanced research training to eligible individuals to enhance their capacity to conduct high quality multidisciplinary disability and rehabilitation research to improve outcomes for people with disabilities across health and function, employment and community participation domains.

DR. JEWEL H. BRONAUGH, DEPUTY SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE, TO SPEAK AT THE 122ND COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University announced that Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be this year’s distinguished guest speaker at the Commencement Ceremony. This year’s ceremony is set to be held in person at the W.E. Anderson Stadium on the Langston campus on Saturday, May 14, 2022, at 10:00 AM.

“We are very excited to welcome Dr. Bronaugh to campus for this special occasion. She is a champion for our country’s rural communities, families, farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr. “Her work with the USDA is game-changing. Most recently, she worked on a $1 billion investment that will transform rural areas across the country. This initiative will help strengthen access to health care for those who reside in those communities.”

The USDA has supported a broad range of research and extension programs over the years within the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. The most notable is their support of the E Kika De La Garza American Institute for goat research. They have also collaborated with our teams to help advance our international reach through small ruminant projects. This support has been vital in providing the support to build structures for irrigational systems for countries all over the world.

“As we prepare to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dear Langston, it was important to us that we pay homage to our history as a USDA supported land grant university, said Dr. Wesley Whittaker. “The USDA partnership with LU has been instrumental. The financial support they provide has helped exponentially grow opportunity for the University’s academic and extension research, fellowship training, as well as providing student scholarship and internship opportunities.”

BACKGROUND:

Langston University (LU) was founded as a land grant college through the Morrill Act of 1890. It was officially established when House Bill 151 passed on March 12, 1897, and named the Colored Agricultural and Normal University. The bill mandated the University to receive federal funds matched by state funds for the support of agricultural research and cooperative extension and community engagement.

Langston University (LU) was established prior to statehood. LU was founded in 1897 as a land grant institution, it is the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the state of Oklahoma. LU has both a rural and urban mandated mission with campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and one extension in Ardmore. Langston University produces top academic scholars within the six schools that house the degree programs. LU boasts a total of 30 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs are offered within Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Nursing and Health Professions, and Physical Therapy. Currently, the top majors are nursing, health physical education and recreation, liberal education, and psychology.

Mr and Ms Langston University pose with the LU Student Connection

TOP SPONSORS COMMITTED TO STUDENT CAREER SUCCESS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – The Langston University Office Career and Professional Development has recently announced the top-tier partnerships. The following sponsors have donated at the highest level for the 2021-2022 academic year: Ballentine Partners, BOK Financial, Equitable Advisors, Hormel Foods Corporation, MedPro Group, ONEOK, Paycom, The Boeing Company, CoBank, and Dell Technologies.

“These ten dynamic companies are committed to providing innovative pathways to career success for our students through professional development initiatives, mentorship, and career training opportunities,” said Leonelle Thompson, Director of Career and Professional Development.

“We are excited to partner with each of these companies to further enhance the career development programs and initiatives for our students. It was very important to us that we work with partners from various industries across the nation that operate with similar core values that align with the University’s mission and vision.”

Langston University (LU) was established prior to statehood. LU was founded in 1897 as a land grant institution, it is the only Historically Black College/ University (HBCU) in the state of Oklahoma. LU has both a rural and urban mandated mission with campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and one extension in Ardmore.

Langston University produces top academic scholars within the six schools house the degree programs: Agriculture and Applied Sciences, Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Behavioral Science, Nursing and Health Professions, and Physical Therapy. A total of 30 undergraduate and 5 graduate degree programs are offered. Currently, the top programs are nursing, health physical education and recreation, liberal education, and psychology. Learn more by visiting us online.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY HOLDS RED CROSS SICKLE CELL AWARENESS BLOOD DRIVES ON ALL CAMPUSES SEPTEMBER 8

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AFRICAN AMERICAN DONORS NEEDED TO HELP MAINTAIN DIVERSE BLOOD SUPPLY

Release Provided By The American Red Cross

OKLAHOMA CITY — In honor of Sickle Cell Awareness month in September, Langston University and American Red Cross announce Sickle Cell Awareness blood drives September 8 at the Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. The blood drives are sponsored by ONEOK.

About 100,000 people in the U.S., most of whom are of African descent, are living with sickle cell disease – the most common inherited blood disorder in the country

“I am really so proud to be a small part of Langston, the Red Cross and ONEOK working together to create an unparalleled opportunity for our communities,” said Mike Clark, Vice President Controller – Natural Gas Liquids for ONEOK. “It not only increases the awareness of sickle cell disease but, even more importantly, creates an opportunity to help those suffering from sickle cell by hosting drives and providing a donor base that may be able to help.”

Blood transfusion helps sickle cell disease patients by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body, helping to deliver oxygen and unblock blood vessels. Red blood cells carry markers on their surface called antigens that determine blood type. Some are unique to specific racial and ethnic groups, and because of this, sickle cell disease patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor who is Black.

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood Wednesday, September 8 to help save lives. All those coming to give at any of the September 8 Langston University blood drives will receive a commemorative T-shirt courtesy of ONEOK, while supplies last.

  • Langston University: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Multipurpose Building Gym,701 Sammy Davis Jr. Drive, Langston. Make an appointment: https://rdcrss.org/3jguhKN
  • Langston University Tulsa: 2:30 to 7:30 p.m., Classroom 207 & 208, 914 N Greenwood Ave., Tulsa. Make an appointment: https://rdcrss.org/3mCjOvl
  • Langston University Oklahoma City: 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.. Atrium, 6700 Martin Luther King Ave., Oklahoma City. Make an appointment: https://rdcrss.org/3jjeNWh

Whether blood is needed for a chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency, it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives, and a diverse blood supply is needed to help the diverse patients who depend on it.

“We are thankful for community partners such as Langston and ONEOK who are partnering with us to raise awareness around sickle cell during Sickle Cell Awareness month,” said Alice Townsend, Regional Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Kansas and Oklahoma Region. “The need for blood is constant and we appreciate partners who understand the importance of ongoing donations and help us fill the gap by hosting blood drives in our local communities.”

Langston University and ONEOK have partnered to offer a chance for donors to win one of three $500 scholarships to a lucky donor from each campus. There will also be drawings for autographed footballs from former University of Oklahoma and Detroit Lions Football player Billy Simms.

Supporters of Families with Sickle Cell Disease, Inc. will be on hand distributing information on Sickle Cell Disease awareness and education.

About blood donation
To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass®. With RapidPass®, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In most cases, those who have received a COVID-19 vaccine can donate. However, knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they received is important in determining donation eligibility.

Blood drive safety
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Completion of a RapidPass® online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & MARCHING PRIDE BAND SIGNED AN EXCLUSIVE APPAREL AGREEMENT WITH ADIDAS

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS & MARCHING PRIDE BAND SIGNED AN EXCLUSIVE APPAREL AGREEMENT WITH ADIDAS

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

Langston, Oklahoma – Langston University and Adidas have entered into an exclusive contract agreement. Adidas is now the official provider of LU apparel, uniforms, footwear, and equipment. This exclusive contract will represent each of the University’s intercollegiate athletic programs and the Marching Pride Band.

“This is so exciting. We have the opportunity to bring every program under the same brand for the first time in the school’s history,” said LU Athletic Director, Donnita Rogers.

LU Athletics has also signed an agreement with a local partner, Midwest Sporting Goods. “We not only get to work with a national brand, but we are also partnering with another company located in the state of Oklahoma. This means these tax dollars will stay right here,” said LU President, Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.

During this process, LU had offers from three major national brands. “One of the reasons we chose Midwest and Adidas was because of their commitment to service,” said Smith.

“It was important to us that we partner with someone who cares about our university community the way we do, I believe that we found that through this partnership.”

LU Athletics is an official member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). “This is a very special day for LU. The reality is our Athletic Director is building a national powerhouse in Athletics,” said Dr. Smith.

“We are not only recruiting incredible talent, but they are performing well in the classroom. Not many institutions can tout that, and that makes me very proud.”

Order your official Langston University Gear at https://lulions.itemorder.com/sale.

LU students pose in their graduation caps and gowns at graduation

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY TO CLEAR $4.6 MILLION IN BALANCES FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A ‘PANDEMIC SEMESTER’ TO ZERO

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By Christina Gray, Media Relations Specialist

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University students and graduates have received life-changing news in a letter from President Kent J. Smith, Jr. Today, the University announced that it will clear student account balances for students enrolled in the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, and Summer 2021 semesters through the support of the HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund) III HBCU Award. The amount of student account balances erased through this initiative totals $4,654,112.06.

“We know the hardship that our community has faced over the course of the pandemic,” said Langston University Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Ruth Jackson.

“We care about our students and their families. It is our hope that this will ease some of the financial burdens and provide our scholars more financial freedom in the future. We know for many of our students this will provide them the opportunity to continue in the academic journey.”

This initiative will also include former students not currently enrolled at the institution as well as graduates who will now be cleared of any balance and hold preventing them from receiving an official transcript. There is no expectation or requirement for enrollment in a future semester to receive the benefit of the cleared balance. The funding allows the University to bring balances for students enrolled in a ‘pandemic semester’ to zero. This initiative will clear balances owed in tuition, fees, and fines. Students are still responsible for their federal, state, or private loans.

“At LU, we always put our students first and this initiative directly aligns with our mission to serve. This will provide our students with support to fully focus on academics and further support them in their journey to graduation and a successful career,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., Langston University President.

“We are excited for what this transformational gift means for our students, former students, and recent graduates!”

Students who are enrolled or plan to enroll in the Fall 2021 semester will be eligible for additional financial support through the HEERF III student aid fund. Read the full letter from President Smith here.

LU student after donating blood

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY HOLDS RED CROSS SICKLE CELL AWARENESS BLOOD DRIVES ON ALL CAMPUSES APRIL 5

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DONORS WILL RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE T-SHIRT COURTESY OF ONEOK.

TULSA, Okla. – Langston University and the American Red Cross announce Sickle Cell Awareness blood drives on April 5 at their Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa campuses. The blood drives are being sponsored by ONEOK. “I’m blessed to work with three great institutions, and I saw this as an opportunity to partner together to help address the need for donations of rare blood types – in particular those needed to help treat sickle cell disease,” said Mike Clark, Vice President, Controller – Natural Gas Liquids, for ONEOK.Right now, the Red Cross is asking for your help to address a critical need for African American and Black blood donors. African American and Black blood donors have a unique ability to help sickle cell patients and support the health of their community.

Red Cross blood drive cancellations – mostly due to the pandemic – have significantly impacted the ability to collect lifesaving blood donations from the Black community. Unfortunately, disproportionately high COVID-19 infection rates, hospitalization and fatalities within Black communities have deterred many donors from giving, and the cancellation of drives at educational institutions and businesses where most of these individuals give has made the problem worse. Despite the steep decline in blood donations from African American and Black blood donors, the need for blood products for patients with sickle cell disease has remained relatively steady.

“We are very excited to be partnering with the American Red Cross and ONEOK for this historic multi-campus blood drive event,” said Joshua Busby, Dean of Students, Langston University. “The importance of hosting this event at an HBCU is significant because we have a direct reach to the communities of color. We know that Sickle Cell Disease impacts those communities at a higher rate, and the type of outreach we can provide is important.”

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood Monday, April 5, to help save lives. All those coming to give at any of the April 5 Langston University blood drives will receive a commemorative T-shirt courtesy of ONEOK, while supplies last.

• Langston Campus | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Multipurpose Building Gym

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

• Langston Tulsa | 2:30 – 7:30 PM | Classroom 207 & 208

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

• Langston OKC | 2:30 – 7:30 PM | Atrium

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Sickle cell disease is the most common blood disorder in the U.S. and impacts about 100,000 people, most of which are of African or Latino descent. Blood transfusions from Black donors help to provide a lifesaving treatment for patients during a sickle cell crisis by increasing the number of normal red blood cells in the body and helps deliver oxygen throughout the body and unblock blood vessels.

Blood transfused to patients with rare blood types, like those with sickle cell disease, must be matched very closely to reduce the risk of complications, and these patients are more likely to find a compatible blood match from a blood donor of the same race or similar ethnicity. A single sickle cell patient can require multiple blood transfusions per year throughout their lifetime to treat complications from sickle cell disease.

HEALTH INSIGHTS FOR OUR DONORS

The Red Cross is testing blood, donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The test may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to this coronavirus, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Testing may also identify the presence of antibodies developed after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Plasma from routine blood donations that test positive for high levels of antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to meet potential future needs of COVID-19 patients. Convalescent plasma is a type of blood product collected from COVID-19 survivors who have antibodies that may help patients who are actively fighting the virus.

The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test. To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, it is important that individuals who do not feel well or believe they may be ill with COVID-19 postpone donation.

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is also screening all blood donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive antibody test and sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

BLOOD DRIVE SAFETY

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing and face masks for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

ABOUT BLOOD DONATION

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit  RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY JOINS GROW WITH GOOGLE, THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND PROGRAM TO TRAIN 20,000 HBCU STUDENTS IN DIGITAL SKILLS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

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THE PROGRAM IS PART OF GOOGLE’S $15 MILLION COMMITMENT TO UPSKILL BLACK WORKERS, ANNOUNCED IN JUNE

Written By: Elizabeth Killough

Google today announced 16 new schools are joining its Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program, including Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma. Through a $1 million investment in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the program provides digital skills workshops in HBCU career centers to help Black students prepare for the workforce. Announced in October, the initiative’s goal is to reach 20,000 students during the current school year. Today’s announcement brings the number of participating schools to 20 total, and the program will be available to all HBCUs by fall 2021

“Google believes investing in HBCU students strengthens the future workforce and increases economic opportunity,” said Bonita Stewart, vice president for global partnerships at Google and Howard University alumna. “We’re proud to expand our Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to reach more HBCU students with the digital skills they need to thrive in the workforce.”

TMCF—the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community—has a track record of successfully connecting HBCU students with scholarships, training and jobs as they navigate college and careers. Its long history of on-the-ground work ensures the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program is tailored to meet student needs.

“We are excited about this initiative and partnership with Google and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and thrilled that they chose our Office of Career and Professional Development to bring these much needed skills to our Langston students,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith Jr., president of Langston University. “Through this partnership, I am confident that our students will have the necessary digital skills to be prepared for their professional life after Langston.”

Started last October, the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program provides HBCU career centers with funding and a semester-long in-person and online digital skills program. The program combines existing Grow with Google workshops with custom job seeker content for Black students, including design thinking, project management, and professional brand building. TMCF, which is contributing to the program’s design, will work with HBCU career centers to onboard the program.

“A central part of the mission of TMCF is to prepare the next generation of workforce talent. Our partnership with Google enables this mission and ensures students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities are positioned to compete for meaningful careers”, said Dr. Harry L. Williams, president and CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

This $1 million Grow with Google investment is part of a $15 million commitment to upskill Black workers. Announced by Google CEO Sundar Pichai last June, the investment aims to help Black job seekers learn new skills in partnership with national workforce development organizations.

Grow with Google is Google’s initiative to create economic opportunities for all by providing free tools and training. Since 2017, the program has trained more than five million Americans on digital skills. The Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program builds on the company’s ongoing investments in HBCU students. Since 2013, the Google In Residence program has placed Google software engineers at HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) as faculty. The company also hosts Tech Exchange, a virtual student exchange program that teaches HBCU and HSU students applied computer science courses.

For more information on Grow with Google’s HBCU Career Readiness program, please visit this website.

ABOUT GROW WITH GOOGLE
Grow with Google was started in 2017 to help Americans grow their skills, careers and businesses. It provides free training, tools, and expertise to help small business owners, veterans and military families, jobseekers and students, educators, startups, and developers. Since Grow with Google’s inception, it has helped more than five million Americans grow their skills, careers and businesses. Grow with Google has created a network of more than 7,500 partner organizations like libraries, schools, small business development centers, chambers of commerce and nonprofits to help people coast-to-coast.

ABOUT THE THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND
Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the PK-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: tmcf.org.

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY WELCOMES THE HIGHEST ACADEMICALLY ACHIEVING INCOMING CLASS FOR THE FALL 2020 SEMESTER

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By Christina Gray

LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University welcomed more than 630 students for the 2020 incoming class, with multiple learning modalities giving students options whatever their circumstance. Classes began virtually on Monday, August 17, 2020. LU hosted a new student orientation, Lion Camp, for the incoming students coupled with a two-week intersession entitled “Fallmester”. Fallmester, along with Lion Camp, began on August 3, 2020.

The University was proud to welcome 100 new honors students within the incoming class, which is the largest honors class to date. LU scholars are required to take honors courses designed to develop communication skills, analytical thinking, creativity and leadership. The incoming freshmen class is among the most academically talented to ever be admitted to LU, demonstrating a significant improvement in both GPA and test scores over prior years.

“We continue to see the incredible interest of incoming students,” said LU President, Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr. “I am proud to report that LU received more than 10,000 applications for our Fall 2020 class.”

With the return of students on the campus, the Emergency Leadership Team (ELT) has done a tremendous job of increasing its monitoring, vigilance, and efforts related to the virus and the health safety of the campus community. Updated protocols and processes were implemented for student move-in and orientation. For more information about the campus safety efforts, please visit the LU Covid-19 Resource Page.

Langston University is a public historically black college and university enrolling a close-knit community of under 3,000 students. Founded in 1897, LU is located in rural Logan County and has urban campuses in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. LU has been recognized as a top institution of higher learning for affordability, ranking number three among all Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S., according to AffordableSchools.net. Langston offers more than 40 associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral programs across six academic colleges. Learn more at https://www.langston.edu.