HBCU Connect
HBCU CONNECT was founded in 1999 by Hampton University graduate William Roger Moss III, who connected with fellow HBCU grad and entrepreneur E. Shawn Starks to create the first African American targeted social network launched as "hbcu-central.com". We simply thought it would be a great idea to provide a useful social network for HBCU graduates with the capability to upload photos!
Back then there were no social networks around with member profiles for college students or graduates so we set out on our mission to serve this audience!
We focus on serving the needs of our audience by providing a platform for networking, professional opportunities, educational opportunities and connections with the savvy organizations that are looking to hire from or brand themselves with this tight knit community. We are the best at what we do for several reasons but mostly because we really CARE about those we serve and the future of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
Elements of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) asset now known as Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) were originally conceived by University of Tennessee physics professor Dr. William G. Pollard to cultivate a peacetime purpose for the nuclear science generated by the Manhattan Project. This vision became a reality on Oct. 17, 1946 when the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies (ORINS) received a charter of incorporation from the state of Tennessee. Although the name later changed to Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), the organization’s mission generally remained the same as the programs it managed evolved over time.
In 1992, DOE consolidated many of these legacy programs into what became known as ORISE. DOE selected ORAU to manage the initial ORISE contract and ORAU is honored to have continuously served DOE and the DOE national laboratory system in this capacity for the past 25 years.
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Institute for Broadening Participation
The mission of the Institute for Broadening Participation is to increase diversity in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. Since 2003, IBP has connected underrepresented students with STEM funding and research opportunities, and has provided faculty and administrators with tools and resources to help promote the positive factors that keep underrepresented students on the STEM pathway into successful STEM careers. We design and implement strategies to increase access to STEM education, funding, and careers, with special emphasis on diverse underrepresented groups. We believe that diversifying the STEM workforce is the best way to ensure our nation's economic vitality and solve global challenges.
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