Jackson State and Google extend partnership with students and faculty

Jackson State University (JSU) and Google are furthering their partnership to help HBCU students access technology and training to prepare for the workforce. The latest collaboration includes Google donating a new line of Chromebooks to Jackson State CSET students so they can transition from school to professional life with a versatile laptop for work and play.

The donation builds on JSU’s existing HBCU Career Readiness program with Google and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which helps prepare HBCU students for the workforce through digital skills training and career workshops.

“This contribution will assist an important part of our mission at JSU, which is ensuring students have the necessary tools to maximize their learning potential and improve outcomes as they work on ideas and methods that address societal needs,” said Acting President Elayne

H. Anthony, Ph.D., “I cannot think of a better asset that could increase the quality of the higher education experience for our students.”

Wilbur Walters, Ph.D., dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology, cited the extended partnership with Google as an opportunity to engage students with cutting-edge technology like robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“This partnership is another example of academic and corporate partners teaming to directly benefit our students at JSU,” said Walters.

“This contribution represents the continuation of exciting opportunities for our students and faculty to engage and benefit from the amazing Google brand.”

“As a proud HBCU graduate, I’ve experienced firsthand how access to technology can help to heighten the educational experience and inspire students to create,” said Adrienne Lofton, global vice president, Consumer Marketing, Google.

“Google is proud to support Jackson State University in our continued efforts to create equity in tech.”

Along with the Chromebook donation, the Google partnership will continue providing students with the Grow with Google HBCU Career Readiness Program. Started in 2020, the program combines Grow with Google workshops with custom jobseeking content for Black students, including design thinking, project management and professional brand building. To bring the program to JSU,

Google worked with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. 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.

JSU CSET students seeking a Chromebook must submit a short video explaining how the laptop will enhance their higher-education experience.

Videos must not exceed two minutes and must be emailed to Jacqueline Jackson, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science & interim chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science at jacqueline.m.jackson@jsums.edu by April 14.

Selected CSET students will be notified the week of April 17 via email.

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

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