Professional Development

By Kaitlyn Van Buskirk

Roanoke Higher Education Center receives $50,000 grant to further social and racial equity

The Roanoke Higher Education Center (RHEC) has received a $50,000 grant from the American Electric Power Foundation to launch “Social and Racial Equity: Diversity in Partnerships,” creating new opportunities for educational access and job training in the Roanoke Valley. The grant allows RHEC to recruit a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to the Center, and also fund scholarships for minority students. Through this partnership, Virginia State University (VSU) joins the Roanoke Higher Education Center as its newest member.

“The American Electric Power Foundation is pleased to be able to support the work of the Roanoke Higher Education Center,” said Larry E. Jackson, Director of External Affairs, Appalachian Power. “Access to education is critical to unlocking the true potential of our region and the addition of Virginia State University to the Higher Education Center community expands our ability to attract high potential students. We look forward to seeing what this new partnership brings.”

The grant will allow the HBCU to occupy space at the Center at no charge for two years, where they can connect with the Roanoke community, determine sustainable programming, and form partnerships with the twelve other members of the Center. Additionally, the new scholarships for minority students will open doors to career advancement by offering access to new job skills, training, and certification programs.

In doing so, RHEC demonstrates its commitment to social and racial equity, providing access to educational

Larry Jackson, Appalachian Power

Submitted

opportunities to all people, and serving first generation, low income, and minority students.

“One of the primary goals of Virginia State University is in direct alignment to the mission of the Roanoke Higher Education Center,” said Dr. Donald E. Palm III, Executive Vice President and Provost, Virginia State University. “Both VSU and RHEC are committed to providing greater educational opportunities to increase the economic outlook for our communities. Our VSU team is committed to the success of this partnership with the RHEC team to do this community building work in tandem.”

For more information, please visit www.education.edu.

American Electric Power Foundation contributed $50,000 for "Social and Racial Equity: Diversity in Partnership."