By Deborah Bailey
AFRO Contributing Editor
dbailey@afro.com
The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities has announced the 2024 class of scholars, marking the 10th anniversary of this program that has highlighted the scholarship, talent and rigor of America’s HBCUs.
This year, 110 exemplary students hailing from 77 of America’s HBCUs have been selected for their outstanding academic achievement, prospective leadership and contribution to their communities.
The 2024 cohort includes students from all HBCUs in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, displaying the strong and diverse educational experiences students receive in the nation’s capital and its neighboring state.
“For 10 years the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This is a recognition that reflects the Biden-Harris Administration’s determination to fight for our nation’s HBCUs and their immense contributions to black excellence and diversity in higher education,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
The six White House HBCU scholars hailing from District and Maryland schools come to their institutions from cities across the nation, the Caribbean and South America, making them the most geographically diverse scholars named in the 10-year history of the program.
“I am very honored to be selected as a White House HBCU scholar. This recognition validates the hard work and dedication I’ve poured into my studies and extracurricular activities,” said Sara Amanda Owusu, a bioinformatics junior at Bowie State University.
Throughout the year, White House HBCU scholars will participate in a series of workshops, leadership development programs and networking events to boost their skills and expand their horizons. Honorees will be invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference to ne held Sept.15-19 in Philadelphia, Pa.
During the conference, which will bear the theme “Raising the Bar,” students will be invited to participate in sessions, engage professionals and peers and connect with policymakers, industry leaders and alumni of the 10-year program.
Students in the White House HBCU scholars program are given these opportunities to give back, said Deidra Trent, executive director of the White House initiative. Trent said the White House HBCU conference in Philadelphia will kick off a series of ongoing monthly sessions for the fellows.
“These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community,” Trent said.
The 2024 White House fellows representing D.C. and Maryland institutions are (each student’s name is followed by their school and hometown):
-Ashley Anderson: Howard University; Upper Marlboro, Md.
-Jalen Gourrier: University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Princess Anne, Md.
-Michaela Hart : Morgan State University; Baltimore, Md.
-Mellany Menendez: Coppin State University; Chiquimula, Guatemala
-Sarah Owusu: Bowie State University, Suitland, Md.
-Kayleah Shelton: University of the District of Columbia; Washington D.C.
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