Strada Partners With Drake State as Part of HBCU Initiative to Benefit Students

Drake State Community and Technical College is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Strada Education Foundation’s Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Initiative to cultivate a new generation of leaders.

Strada’s expansion of the initiative will provide scholarships, networking, and leadership development opportunities to over 500 students, including Drake State students, over the next eight years.

“We are proud to join the Strada HBCU Initiative and contribute to the important work of empowering students and fostering economic mobility,” said Dr. Patricia Sims, President of Drake State. “Through this partnership, we will nurture promising scholars and prepare them to become catalysts for change in our communities and beyond.”

The Strada HBCU Initiative, initially launched in October 2021 with 28 institutions, has expanded to include nearly half of the nation’s HBCUs after a successful pilot year. 

In its first year, Strada Scholars at partner institutions made significant contributions, including establishing an honors association and leadership initiatives, while also serving as mentors to the second cohort of students.

“Our goal is to utilize our campuses as a springboard for the next generation of leaders who will bring about meaningful change,” said Dr. Aminta Breaux, President of Bowie State University and co-chair of the Strada HBCU Advisory Council. “We are already witnessing the transformative impact of our scholars’ leadership on our campuses.”

Through ongoing collaboration between Strada and HBCUs, the initiative aims to identify and support young individuals with the potential to become leaders within their communities and shape a better world.

The partnership includes campus visits, where Strada leaders engage with students and learn from institutional leaders, highlighting impactful educational and leadership development opportunities.

Drake State joins the Strada HBCU Initiative alongside fellow Alabama Historically Black Community College Trenholm State and Huntsville HBCU Alabama A&M University. 

More information about Drake State’s programs can be found at drakestate.edu.