TikTok to Donate $1 Million to NCCU

DURHAM, NC – On Wednesday (Dec. 16), TikTok announced the recipients of their Health Heroes Relief Fund, detailing that North Carolina Central University would be awarded a $1 million dollar donation to help students pursuing degrees in the health care field.

TikTok made the following statement on their website on Wednesday:

“2020 has been a difficult year for many, but through it all there’s been an unwavering symbol of hope and humanity shining through: healthcare workers. From epidemiologists to doctors to surge staff, front line healthcare workers are deserving heroes across the country – and these #healthheroes are equally lauded figures within the TikTok community, which is part of why we donated $150 million earlier this year through our Health Heroes Relief Fund.

Today, as a continuation of our commitment to supporting the efforts of healthcare workers, we’re donating $10 million to 10 academic institutions that serve underrepresented students with programs focused on public health and professions in the medical and healthcare fields. Each school will receive $1 million in funding to support undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students pursuing medical careers or other health related fields, helping to ensure the success of future Black, Latinx, and Indigenous health heroes. 

According to a 2018 article in Harvard Business Review, Black people make up 13 percent of the US population; but only four percent of US doctors and less than seven percent of US medical students self-identify as Black. In a qualitative study of Black students’ perspectives on careers in medicine in the Journal of the National Medical Association, students reported financial constraints as one of the major barriers in pursuing a career in medicine. We believe investing in the next generation of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous doctors, nurses, pediatricians, surgeons, and other essential health care workers is one of the best ways to invest in the future of America. “

About TikTok: TikTok was created to bring joy and inspiration to our community. That idea has come to life through the playfulness of our creators who’ve brought dance challenges, funny performances, creative memes, and delightfully unique moments. It’s been largely about having fun.