HT Selected for UNCF Career Pathways Initiative Planning Grant
Wednesday Apr, 27 2016
(AUSTIN, TX) 4.27.16 — Huston-Tillotson University was selected as one of the 30 recipients for UNCF’s new Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) planning grants, made possible by Lilly Endowment Inc.’s $50 million commitment to help students gain the knowledge, preparation, insight and skills needed for meaningful employment in a technology-driven, global economy.
“To be selected in this competitive grant process speaks to the strength of Huston-Tillotson University’s academic preparation of students ready to make career choices,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Colette Pierce Burnette. “Increasing professional opportunities for our students through this initiative opens doors to retain and attract more students, especially in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics fields.”
HT will employ innovative strategies to improve career placement outcomes of graduates, including aligning curricula with local and national workforce needs, developing intentional career pathway options for students across their collegiate experience, and strengthening their overall career readiness.
“UNCF is elated to invest in better futures for tens of thousands of students at these selected institutions; students who will become the nation’s future engineers, educators, and entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF President and CEO. “This was an incredibly rigorous and competitive process. We applaud all the institutions who put their best foot forward in the interest of their students’ future careers, and we commend the 30 institutions that were selected for planning grants.”
Austin tops numerous lists such as best economy in the country, most technological savvy digital city, best city for job seekers, and best United States city for future job growth, according to One Voice Central Texas, making it an attractive area for college students. In addition, Austin added more than 39,000 new jobs for a 4.2 percent growth in the 12 months ending in February, showcasing the city as the third fastest growing major metropolitan area according to the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Huston-Tillotson University graduates are an important part of the pipeline.
Huston-Tillotson University, Austin’s first institution of higher education with roots dating to 1875, has a diverse population that is majority African American. As a historically black institution, HT nurtures a legacy of leadership and excellence in education, connecting knowledge, power, passion, and values. The University offers master’s and associate’s degrees in addition to Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in more than 19 areas of study.
Learn more about the initiative at www.htu.edu, www.uncf.org.
Read more at http://uncf.org/sections/News/SS_PressReleases/pressrelease_details.asp?prID=428
