by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

September 22, 2014

ASPiRE Announces Partnership with White House Initiative on HBCUs

ASPiRE announced a partnership with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs) to increase awareness of the value and the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to expose college students to entrepreneurs and professionals in corporate and private businesses.

“ASPiRE is extremely proud to expand its commitment to improve educational opportunities for African- American youth at HBCUs by partnering with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Paul Butler, general manager, ASPiRE.  “We are honored to further strengthen our focus on education by joining with the Billion Dollar Roundtable to advance education and opportunities for HBCU students.   We recognize that HBCUs are an important part of our culture and safeguarding their legacy, along with enhancing educational, professional and entrepreneurial opportunities for the next generation of leaders, is critical to our nation’s future.”

This collaboration is a part of ASPiRE’s initiative to promote excellence in education among African-American students at HBCUs and to provide those students with professional development and support.

The 2014 WHIHBCUs’ National HBCU Week Conference is scheduled for Sept. 22-23 at the Washington Marriot Wardman Park in Washington, DC. The theme is, “HBCUs: Innovators For Future Success,” and will focus on innovative and transformative educational approaches to ensure that access to the American dream is attainable for all.

ASPiRE will host a Fireside Chat entitled, “Making College Matter,” for the HBCU All-Stars and participants in the Fireside Chat include: Jamal Simmons, political analyst, CNN, Co-Founder of FLYCLIQUE and interviewer of ASPiRE’s “The Root 100” series; Erin Jackson, comedienne and co-host of ASPiRE’s “exhale;” and Valeisha Butterfield, co-founder & chair, Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network and author The GirlPrint. Lee Hawkins, news editor and celebrity reporter with The Wall Street Journal, will moderate the discussion.

The 2014 WHIHBCUs All-Stars consists of 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.  The HBCU All- Stars were selected from 445 students from 62 of our nation’s HBCUs.

Follow ASPiRE and the White House Initiative on HBCUs at:


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