Conn’s HomePlus, a specialty furniture retailer based in Texas, has gifted FAMU $100,000. $80,000 of the gift will be used to fund two scholarships worth $10,000 a year for four years, provide paid internships, internship housing accommodations in Houston, and travel to/from the summer internship site, including roundtrip airfare.
Conn's HomePlus provided another $20,000 in furniture to improve the common areas in university housing.
The Conn's HomePlus scholarship is open to FAMU undergraduate freshmen and high school seniors heading to majoring in retail sales, technology and supply chain management.
“Florida A&M University welcomes this partnership that provides vital scholarships and internships for our students,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “The biggest challenge faced by many of our students is financial not academic. The Conn’s Cohort program will ensure that talented students can finish in four years and go on to productive careers in their chosen field.”
Through the efforts of Conn’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, these scholarships are being awarded to students at two of the top HBCUs in the country. Conn’s believes now is the time to show support for students in their own communities. This scholarship, which represents an initial commitment from the company of $100,000 over the next four years to FAMU, is one step of many Conn’s is taking to foster diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“There is a lot of work to be done in order to move forward with intent and action that will truly yield change and make a positive impact,” said Norm Miller, CEO of Conn’s HomePlus.