An investment has been made to support scholars at Virginia-based Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

$150K Boost

According to 13News Now, Google Data Centers’ Community Development and Engagement team has invested $150,000 in the Virginia Humanities HBCU Scholars Fellowship, which supports HBCU-affiliated writers, community scholars, faculty members, and doctoral candidates. This is accomplished through funding, academic publishing, and peer support networks, access to the University of Virginia’s library systems and archives at the Library of Virginia, among other avenues, per information on the fellowship’s website.

The fellowship backs individuals whose work spotlights the state’s history, considers marginalized stories, and explores South Atlantic themes.

“It’s heartening to see that the private sector values and supports this work,” said Yosef Medina, director of the fellowship, per 13News Now.

“This funding represents more than the support it will provide for HBCU scholars; it signals what is possible for the humanities sector at large. Support from individuals, corporations, and foundations is more vital than ever for cultural organizations. We are grateful to our partners at Google who understand the value and importance of this work and are excited for what the future holds,” Medina continued.

Matthew Gibson, executive director of Virginia Humanities, noted that the funding is of even greater significance after federal cuts have made a significant impact on higher education. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the HBCU, Florida A&M University, lost $16.3 million in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health that heavily supported Ph.D. graduates in pharmaceutical sciences.

Virginia Humanities is also down $1.7 million in federal dollars.

“At a time when federal cuts are threatening the future of public humanities programs across the country, this generous corporate gift is both timely and deeply affirming,” Gibson said, according to the outlet.

“The investment creates a critical space for emerging and seasoned scholars to lead, research, and tell stories that matter. It’s a powerful reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, partnerships like this can help sustain the humanities and the institutions that have long been champions of the public good,” Gibson added.