Robert F. Smith contributes another $50 million to HBCU students
- Thread starter get these nets
- Start date
get these nets
Veteran
It's not abrupt though. When some read the headline, they thought "another 50" meant in addition to what he contributed to the Morehouse class.Can't pinpoint it. The timing seems all too abrupt. That level of money doesn't just switch up that suddenly without a catalyst.
It actually means an additional 50 mill to this fund that he launched in June of THIS year.
https://www.thecoli.com/threads/rob...tiative-to-ease-student-debt-at-hbcus.788548/
The Amerikkkan Idol
The Amerikkkan Nightmare
This is why I don't wanna hear none of that anti-billionaire talk from black people.
They thrived off this shyt, let us eat
fukk out of here.Only one of the 25 richest people in Amerikkka isn't White and it's the Asian guy who owns Zoom.
A billionaire giving back is like Nino Brown giving out turkeys on Thanksgiving.
It's nice, but let's not pretend that the system itself isn't fukked up.
The Amerikkkan Idol
The Amerikkkan Nightmare
But I am interested in all the militants who claim that having a CAC wife ends your Blackness have to say about this
broke boi
Only one of the 25 richest people in Amerikkka isn't White and it's the Asian guy who owns Zoom.
A billionaire giving back is like Nino Brown giving out turkeys on Thanksgiving.
It's nice, but let's not pretend that the system itself isn't fukked up.
get these nets
Veteran
Read the thread again, specifically the link in post #32.
Only one of the 25 richest people in Amerikkka isn't White and it's the Asian guy who owns Zoom.
A billionaire giving back is like Nino Brown giving out turkeys on Thanksgiving.
It's nice, but let's not pretend that the system itself isn't fukked up.
What Mr. Smith is attempting to do is to change parts of the system, permanently.
This is nothing like giving away meals.
He's not giving away fish, he's teaching people how to fish farm and stock the lake.
The Amerikkkan Idol
The Amerikkkan Nightmare
You're not a billionaire, dummy
and as much as you post on here, you damn sure aint a millionaire
Which makes you akin to an uncle tom working against the best interests of your own people to celebrate the rich fukks who fukk all of us over.
Oh, I agree it's not a completely accurate analogy
but let's be real here, billionaires, even those with good intentions will never be about changing a system that benefits them.
It's like thinking that White people are going to change a system of White supremacy that benefits them.
Yeah, a few of them can have good intentions, but ultimately the status quo benefits them.
get these nets
Veteran
UPDATE
Robert F. Smith’s Student Freedom Initiative names Mark A. Brown as Executive Director
March 12, 2021
| The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) has announced the selection of Mark A. Brown to serve as Executive Director. Having served as the Chief Operating Officer for Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education where he managed the US$1.7 trillion federal student loan program, Mark brings significant experience, insight, and first-hand knowledge of student loans and their impacts on students and families across the United States.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team,” said Robert F. Smith, who serves as Chairman of SFI. “Following an extensive search, it became clear that Mark is the ideal candidate to take the helm of SFI. As a Tuskegee University graduate, retired U.S. Air Force general with more than 30 years of distinguished service, Mark has dedicated his life to public service and helping students. I look forward to working closely with Mark to lead SFI to the next stage of growth supported by Keith Shoates, who served as interim Executive Director, and who will remain with SFI as Chief Operating Officer.” Smith said.
Launched in March 2020, the Student Freedom Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). In October 2020, Robert F. Smith personally donated US$50 million to seed a significant expansion of SFI.
“I am excited by the opportunity to continue my service in higher education with the Student Freedom Initiative. With HBCU and MSI students disproportionately burdened by student debt, I know that SFI’s holistic solution can make a real difference,” said Mark A. Brown. “The SFI team has achieved much in a short period of time, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to building on this progress and working closely with the board as we continue to expand our commitment to students’ success by alleviating the burden of student debt.”
SFI provides holistic support through 4 primary components:
Robert F. Smith’s Student Freedom Initiative names Mark A. Brown as Executive Director
March 12, 2021
| The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) has announced the selection of Mark A. Brown to serve as Executive Director. Having served as the Chief Operating Officer for Federal Student Aid at the U.S. Department of Education where he managed the US$1.7 trillion federal student loan program, Mark brings significant experience, insight, and first-hand knowledge of student loans and their impacts on students and families across the United States.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark to the team,” said Robert F. Smith, who serves as Chairman of SFI. “Following an extensive search, it became clear that Mark is the ideal candidate to take the helm of SFI. As a Tuskegee University graduate, retired U.S. Air Force general with more than 30 years of distinguished service, Mark has dedicated his life to public service and helping students. I look forward to working closely with Mark to lead SFI to the next stage of growth supported by Keith Shoates, who served as interim Executive Director, and who will remain with SFI as Chief Operating Officer.” Smith said.
Launched in March 2020, the Student Freedom Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). In October 2020, Robert F. Smith personally donated US$50 million to seed a significant expansion of SFI.
“I am excited by the opportunity to continue my service in higher education with the Student Freedom Initiative. With HBCU and MSI students disproportionately burdened by student debt, I know that SFI’s holistic solution can make a real difference,” said Mark A. Brown. “The SFI team has achieved much in a short period of time, even amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to building on this progress and working closely with the board as we continue to expand our commitment to students’ success by alleviating the burden of student debt.”
SFI provides holistic support through 4 primary components:
- (1) Income contingent funding alternative to fixed payment obligations
- (2) Internships
- (3) Targeted HBCU capacity building
- (4) Tutoring, mentoring, and other student services.
Be Strong Blackman
All Star
yall still mad he's with a white woman?
get these nets
Veteran
Cisco and AVCT Join Student Freedom Initiative, Expanding Strategic Partnership to Address Student Loan Debt and Modernize Digital Infrastructure at all HBCUs
May 20, 2021
WASHINGTON---The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) today announced a strategic partnership with Cisco and AVC Technologies, with Cisco committing $100 million in networking, security and collaboration technologies to further SFI’s mission of making sustainable, impact-driven investments to unlock the potential of the entire HBCU ecosystem, their communities, and their students. In addition, AVC Technologies and Cisco will provide ongoing technical support.
Cisco will also invest $50 million to support SFI’s income contingent alternative to traditional college loans to eligible students attending HBCUs. This $50 million anchor investment is the first step to helping SFI reach its goal of a $450 million endowment supporting 4,500 students in perpetuity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cisco and AVC Technologies as strategic partners for SFI in addressing the digital divide faced by our HBCUs,” said Robert F. Smith, Chairman of SFI. “Their expertise and generosity will ensure that HBCUs are secure and robust institutions that empower Black students. And Cisco’s added financial commitment to students, making them the first anchor corporate partner of SFI, will help liberate students from crushing debt and allow them to make their own life choices. Their gift to SFI’s endowment is a call-to-action to other corporate leaders to join our cause.”
“Cisco is proud to support SFI and all HBCUs in this endeavor, which reinforces our purpose to power an inclusive future for all,” said Maria Martinez, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Cisco. “This partnership is an investment in our future workforce, empowering AA/Black STEM students and equipping them with the financial and technology tools to be resilient and successful long term. We remain committed to this community – to be seen, heard, valued, and invested in.”
In collaboration with UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund, this strategic partnership will be an initial step in the digital transformation of HBCUs and assist them as they fortify their underlying infrastructure against cyber threats. AVC Technologies will work directly with HBCUs to identify gaps between their existing infrastructure and the requirements identified by the Department of Education Federal Student Aid (FSA) and install the necessary solutions to address these gaps. Cisco will provide the solutions to be installed by AVC Technologies and provide one year of support following installation. SFI will provide end-to-end project integration and management to ensure a seamless transition.
“On behalf of the SFI and the HBCUs who have already partnered with us, we are grateful to the executive leadership teams, spearheaded by Chuck Robbins and Xavier Williams who have worked with our team over the past year to design a secure infrastructure to foster innovation and business growth within these communities,” added Mark A. Brown, Executive Director of SFI. “Their corporate response further exemplifies the principle of Paying It Forward put forth by Robert F. Smith at the May 19, 2019 Morehouse Graduation Commencement. Collectively addressing the challenges faced by HBCUs, this strategic partnership will enable expanded opportunities and address the issues that affect these institutions which have served as a beacon of hope for many students seeking a higher education.”
Xavier Williams, CEO of AVC Technologies, added, “With our teams already on the ground to lay initial groundwork with HBCU staff, we are eager to deliver on our commitment and status as a Cisco Gold Triple Master Partner to enable compliance with cyber security requirements, install the solution(s) to mitigate any gaps, collaborate with SFI and the HBCUs as they define their long-term strategy for leveraging these solutions to meet other HBCU-unique objectives.”
“Collectively SFI, Cisco and AVC Technology will bring meaningful, sustained, and measurable opportunities to advance the HBCU ecosystem,” added Keith B. Shoates, Chief Operating Officer of SFI. “Provided the opportunity to participate via the InternX.org platform in the modernization efforts at their respective HBCUs, these students will obtain practical hands-on experience, training, and certifications in the technologies of the future; and we’ll build a qualified pipeline of diverse talent from HBCUs. This is just the beginning, as we continue to seek partners to join us in providing evidence-based, holistic, student centered support and creating a self-sustaining financial product that provides an alternative to traditional student loans.”
May 20, 2021
WASHINGTON---The Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) today announced a strategic partnership with Cisco and AVC Technologies, with Cisco committing $100 million in networking, security and collaboration technologies to further SFI’s mission of making sustainable, impact-driven investments to unlock the potential of the entire HBCU ecosystem, their communities, and their students. In addition, AVC Technologies and Cisco will provide ongoing technical support.
Cisco will also invest $50 million to support SFI’s income contingent alternative to traditional college loans to eligible students attending HBCUs. This $50 million anchor investment is the first step to helping SFI reach its goal of a $450 million endowment supporting 4,500 students in perpetuity.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cisco and AVC Technologies as strategic partners for SFI in addressing the digital divide faced by our HBCUs,” said Robert F. Smith, Chairman of SFI. “Their expertise and generosity will ensure that HBCUs are secure and robust institutions that empower Black students. And Cisco’s added financial commitment to students, making them the first anchor corporate partner of SFI, will help liberate students from crushing debt and allow them to make their own life choices. Their gift to SFI’s endowment is a call-to-action to other corporate leaders to join our cause.”
“Cisco is proud to support SFI and all HBCUs in this endeavor, which reinforces our purpose to power an inclusive future for all,” said Maria Martinez, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, Cisco. “This partnership is an investment in our future workforce, empowering AA/Black STEM students and equipping them with the financial and technology tools to be resilient and successful long term. We remain committed to this community – to be seen, heard, valued, and invested in.”
In collaboration with UNCF and Thurgood Marshall College Fund, this strategic partnership will be an initial step in the digital transformation of HBCUs and assist them as they fortify their underlying infrastructure against cyber threats. AVC Technologies will work directly with HBCUs to identify gaps between their existing infrastructure and the requirements identified by the Department of Education Federal Student Aid (FSA) and install the necessary solutions to address these gaps. Cisco will provide the solutions to be installed by AVC Technologies and provide one year of support following installation. SFI will provide end-to-end project integration and management to ensure a seamless transition.
“On behalf of the SFI and the HBCUs who have already partnered with us, we are grateful to the executive leadership teams, spearheaded by Chuck Robbins and Xavier Williams who have worked with our team over the past year to design a secure infrastructure to foster innovation and business growth within these communities,” added Mark A. Brown, Executive Director of SFI. “Their corporate response further exemplifies the principle of Paying It Forward put forth by Robert F. Smith at the May 19, 2019 Morehouse Graduation Commencement. Collectively addressing the challenges faced by HBCUs, this strategic partnership will enable expanded opportunities and address the issues that affect these institutions which have served as a beacon of hope for many students seeking a higher education.”
Xavier Williams, CEO of AVC Technologies, added, “With our teams already on the ground to lay initial groundwork with HBCU staff, we are eager to deliver on our commitment and status as a Cisco Gold Triple Master Partner to enable compliance with cyber security requirements, install the solution(s) to mitigate any gaps, collaborate with SFI and the HBCUs as they define their long-term strategy for leveraging these solutions to meet other HBCU-unique objectives.”
“Collectively SFI, Cisco and AVC Technology will bring meaningful, sustained, and measurable opportunities to advance the HBCU ecosystem,” added Keith B. Shoates, Chief Operating Officer of SFI. “Provided the opportunity to participate via the InternX.org platform in the modernization efforts at their respective HBCUs, these students will obtain practical hands-on experience, training, and certifications in the technologies of the future; and we’ll build a qualified pipeline of diverse talent from HBCUs. This is just the beginning, as we continue to seek partners to join us in providing evidence-based, holistic, student centered support and creating a self-sustaining financial product that provides an alternative to traditional student loans.”
get these nets
Veteran
Student Freedom Initiative Inaugurates Launch at HBCU Campuses Across U.S.
Initiative is “open for business” for Fall 2021 semester at nine HBCU campuses, providing juniors and seniors pursuing STEM education with an alternative to fund their education
August 30, 2021
WASHINGTON-The Student Freedom Initiative today announced their official launch for the Fall 2021 semester across campuses of the initiative’s initial cohort of nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Initiative has begun dispersing funds through their Student Freedom Agreements to eligible applicants attending schools within its initial cohort, and has begun the process of upgrading mission-critical technology infrastructure at these institutions.
Initial participating institutions include Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, and Xavier University of Louisiana
Initiative is “open for business” for Fall 2021 semester at nine HBCU campuses, providing juniors and seniors pursuing STEM education with an alternative to fund their education
August 30, 2021
WASHINGTON-The Student Freedom Initiative today announced their official launch for the Fall 2021 semester across campuses of the initiative’s initial cohort of nine Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Initiative has begun dispersing funds through their Student Freedom Agreements to eligible applicants attending schools within its initial cohort, and has begun the process of upgrading mission-critical technology infrastructure at these institutions.
Initial participating institutions include Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Morehouse College, Prairie View A&M University, Tougaloo College, Tuskegee University, and Xavier University of Louisiana