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Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Plans To Donate Over $1.6 Million To HBCUs

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

In honor of Black History Month, Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Greek-lettered sorority established by African American college women,  has pledged $1.6 million to HBCUs.

The sorority is aiming to create financial stability for HBCU institutions through a substantial monetary gift to 96 accredited institutions. The sorority’s charitable effort is propelled by their AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund in partnership with their Educational Advancement Foundation.

Since some HBCUs are currently facing economic struggles, the prolific group of women is pledging to gift $10 million over the next decade to these universities to offset the financial concerns. The first installment of $50,000 to 32 of the participating HBCUs is slated for February 28.

From a press release from the sorority:

On February 28, 2019, presidents from 32 of the participating HBCUs will receive the first installment of the endowment gift in the amount of $50,000 at the Alpha Kappa Alpha International Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

“As an HBCU graduate and someone who has dedicated my life’s work to the HBCU community, I personally know that the financial challenges of many institutions have an impact on student enrollment, retention, and graduation rates,” said Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. International President Dr. Glenda Glover via the press release. “Implementing an endowment fund is a critical need and has been a priority for my administration since I took office last year. Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 111-year history is deeply interwoven into the history of HBCUs and therefore it is imperative that we continue to invest in these treasured institutions.”

The 32 participating schools include:

  • Albany State University
  • Alcorn State University
  • American Baptist College
  • Bennett College for Women
  • Chicago State University
  • Coppin State University
  • Fayetteville State University
  • Florida Memorial University
  • Fort Valley State University
  • Grambling State University
  • Harris-Stowe State University
  • Le Moyne-Owen College
  • Lincoln University
  • Livingstone College
  • Miles College
  • Mississippi Valley State University
  • Norfolk State University
  • North Carolina Central University
  • Philander Smith College
  • Savannah State University
  • Shaw University
  • South Carolina State University
  • Southern University at New Orleans
  • Augustine’s University
  • Stillman College
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  • Voorhees College
  • West Virginia State University
  • Wilberforce University
  • Wiley College
  • Paul Quinn College
  • Edward Waters College

HBCUs have been struggling for funding. In December 2018, Bennett College for Women lost its accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) due to its inability to remain financially stable. Pizza corporation Papa John’s recently donated $500,000 to the school. At least six HBCUs have closed since 1988 due to financial reasons.