Chemours seeks to boost number of HBCU-bound students
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Chemours has created a $400,000 scholarship program for Wilmington high school students studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and bound for Historically Black Colleges (HBCU).
Chemours President Mark Vergano and Mayor Mike Purzycki announced the three-year partnership last Thursday at The Contemporary on the Christina Riverfront.
“At Chemours we believe that everyone should have access and the opportunity to engage in studies and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. We call this idea STEM for All. These scholarships reflect our commitment to building a more inclusive, diverse, talented, and effective future workforce, not only for our company, but for the local industry right here in Wilmington,” Vergnano said.
Wilmington held a similar event last year, which drew 700 students downtown to meet face-to-face with representatives from 10 HBCUs. About 120 students were accepted on-the-spot. This year’s goal is to double the number of students who participate.
“We’ve always had high expectations for our HBCU program because we know that given the opportunity, our young people can demonstrate to anyone at any time how committed they are to their education and to their future, and why they deserve the opportunity to attend college,” said Purzycki. “To learn that Chemours, which is already deeply committed to the community, would become a partner in this HBCU effort to get more students into college is more than we ever expected.”
Last year’s HBCU program attracted the following colleges and universities: Delaware State University, Bowie State University, Lincoln University, Coppin State University, Virginia State University, Cheyney University, Morehouse College, Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore.