The HBCU Founders Initiative and the United Negro College Fund Partner with Verizon and the Clinton Global Initiative University to Inspire and Support Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Tackling Society’s Most Pressing Challenges

The HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI), a nonprofit organization that supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students and alumni along their entrepreneurial journey, and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, have announced their partnership with Verizon and the Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) to inspire and support undergraduate and graduate students in tackling society’s most pressing challenges as a part of their Forward for Good Challenge.

Verizon Forward for Good Challenge is part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon’s responsible business plan for economic, environmental, and social advancement. It encourages teams comprised of current undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. institutions, and CGI U alumni, to leverage 5G and other leading-edge technology to advance equity within the U.S. in CGI U’s five focus areas: education, environment and climate change, peace and human rights, poverty alleviation, and public health. Finalists will receive access to intensive summer entrepreneurship training with accelerator partner VentureWell, seed funding, and living stipends to advance their solutions. This year’s Challenge winners include teams developing new and innovative technologies, including next-generation AI-based lip-reading technology to help aphonic individuals; a smart mask that pioneers continuous, accurate vital monitoring in waiting rooms and emergency settings; and an interactive web-based decision support tool that uses AI to calculate flood risks for individual properties.

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Through the partnership, HBCUFI and UNCF will partner with Verizon and CGI U to ensure there is engagement with and representation of HBCU students throughout the Verizon Forward for Good Challenge. Additionally, they will be providing support to HBCU teams throughout the application period, exposing and introducing them to the principles of design thinking and entrepreneurship. This partnership builds on a commitment made last year by Verizon and CGI U to diversify the voices in the next generation of innovators, with a specific focus on engaging students at HBCUs, Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and community colleges.

“We’re proud to join forces with Verizon and CGI U on this impactful initiative that empowers entrepreneurs to develop community-changing businesses,” said Marlon Evans, President, HBCUFI. “This partnership directly aligns with our commitment to bridge the wealth gap within key areas in desperate need of systemic reform that technology can help enable.”

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“By partnering with HBCUFI and UNCF, we’re able to support and cultivate the next generation of diverse innovators who are interested in leveraging next gen technology, like 5G, to develop solutions that address society’s biggest challenges,” said Carrie Hughes, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Verizon. “Through this partnership, we are able to reach more entrepreneurs and provide resources to ensure their success.”

“Students in the CGI U community are tackling urgent challenges in their communities and across the world, and our partnership with Verizon helps equip them with resources to develop innovative solutions,” said Kevin Thurm, CEO, Clinton Foundation. “HBCUs are cultivating the next generation of changemakers, and this new partnership with the HBCU Founders Initiative and the United Negro College Fund will help us expand the reach of the CGI U community and the Forward for Good Challenge to support these student leaders.”

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