NCCU alumnus Nariq Jones spearheads $10,000 donation to assist first-year students
The inaugural T.R.U. Eagles program at North Carolina Central University, which supports rural and disadvantaged first-year students received a $10,000 donation from Amazon's Black Employee Network (BEN).
Dean of Students Joy Hartfield directs the program, which pairs participants with trained student ambassadors to ease the transition to college. NCCU alumnus Nariq Jones, a fall 2020 graduate who works for Amazon, was a catalyst for the donation.
“The Division of Student Affairs recognizes that our ever-diversifying student population requires attention to ensure that equitable access is provided, so that success can be realized,” said Angela Alvarado Coleman, Ed.D., vice chancellor of the Division of Student Affairs. “Student success at NCCU would not be possible without strong collaboration with community partners.”
The T.R.U. Eagles Program is designed to train and support students as they adjust to and navigate college life by assigning them a peer ambassador.
"Every student deserves the care and support that comes along with a reliable person in your corner,” Hartfield said. “This program not only prepares our students to be leaders, but it also provides them with a support system to empower and encourage them along the way."
All T.R.U. Eagles are given the opportunity to meet regularly with their assigned peer ambassador and required to attend a variety of programs and activities throughout the academic year, addressing both hard and soft skills. The programs, along with the relationships forged between ambassadors and T.R.U. Eagles, help students meet their educational goals and make the college experience more fulfilling at NCCU, Hartfield said.
Student ambassador Alexis Harp said she was honored to be assisting fellow Eagles.
“I know this program will allow students to find a place of comfort amongst their peers when it comes to their home away from home,” Harp added.
Jones said he and the BEN team selected NCCU from a list of Historically Black Colleges and Institutions.
"NCCU is home, and I remember what it was like to be in college and be in need,” Jones said.
“I am proud to say that I will be involved with this program and will have the ability to see future Eagles cross the stage into impactful alumni."
The T.R.U. Eagles program welcomes any student interested in joining as a member or an ambassador to visit the T.R.U. Eagles informational page here, register for the program here, and/or contact Dean Hartfield in the Dean of Students Office at [email protected] for more information.
