FAMU announces $5M initiative for student scholarships and recruitment

On Saturday, Nov. 19, at the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic in Orlando, Florida A&M University (FAMU) Interim President Larry Robinson, announced a $5 million initiative to support scholarships for student retention and recruitment, as well as scholastic enhancement and faculty investment.

Earlier this week, the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors approved the initiative to help the University increase its graduation rate, enhance academic programs, and recruit top talent. Leaders from the FAMU Foundation and FAMU Board of Trustees, as well as prominent alumni, joined Robinson on the football field for the announcement at Camping World Stadium.

Robinson said, “This initiative represents a collaborative partnership that increases the possibilities for student success at the University by strengthening opportunities for talented students, and those who need financial support to complete their studies and receive their diplomas.”

While most of the funding will go toward scholarships, $600,000 has been approved for faculty support. Students can apply for scholarships by logging on to www.famuscholarships.com.

Vice-Chair of the FAMU Foundation Board Hosetta Coleman said, “We want to make sure all of our students – when they graduate – have the potential to become a CEO, and we want to support the top-notch talent that develops the scholars we are bringing in.”

During the Classic, the University also received another major financial boost from generous alumni Bernard and Shirley Kinsey of Pacific Palisades, California. They joined University leaders on the field to announce a $500,000 pledge to support FAMU’s Marching “100” band. Bernard Kinsey was a member of the band, which has performed at the Super Bowl and marched in presidential inaugural parades and the French Bicentennial Bastille Day Parade.