North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Eagles Sanai Price and KJ Chadwick are among the 110 students to be selected as 2024 HBCU Scholars by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The program is celebrating its 10th year of recognizing HBCU students for their academic achievement, leadership potential and community dedication.
Price, a junior in business administration with a 4.0 GPA, is a Cheatham-White scholar actively involved in the university honors program, vice president of Eagle Ambassadors, a former Student Government Association member and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.
“I was happy to receive this honor and the positive impact and have a positive impact on my school,” Price said. “It shows the work I put in on campus as a scholar and leader.”
Chadwick, also a junior in business administration with a 3.98 GPA, is a university honors student who mentors youth in Durham, organizes football tailgates, coaches minority youth in baseball and football, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
“This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.”
Since 2014, the HBCU Scholars program has empowered over 500 students, offering personal and professional growth, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This year’s cohort, representing 23 states and 11 countries, includes students from diverse disciplines like STEM, humanities, social sciences and the arts.
Throughout the year, HBCU Scholars will engage in workshops, leadership programs, and networking events, connecting with industry leaders and policymakers. A key partnership with NASA will allow scholars to collaborate on commercializing NASA technology to benefit their campuses and communities.
The 2024 HBCU Scholars will also attend the HBCU Week National Annual Conference, held September 15-19 in Philadelphia, under the theme “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” Here, they will engage in sessions focused on innovation, leadership, and professional development, and connect with peers and program partners.
"I am delighted to announce the 2024-2025 HBCU Scholars representing 77 of our nations HBCUs,” said Dietra Trent executive director of White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges, and Universities. “These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community.”
Following the conference, scholars will participate in monthly master classes and programs designed to enhance professional development and access to post-graduation opportunities with nonprofit, business, and federal partners.
