College students have been greatly impacted by the spread of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus, pandemic. Many are not eligible to receive a stimulus check and have had their academic career put on hold as educational institutions figure out how to prepare for the fall semester.
McDonalds and Honda are stepping up to help HBCU students affected by the public health crisis.
Honda is teaming up with HBCUs across the country for a new COVID-19 relief initiative to address the needs of their displaced communities dealing with food insecurity, medical support, and homelessness. Since the beginning of May, the auto giant has provided more than $300,000 to historically Black colleges and universities and other organizations.
“In these unprecedented times, our commitment to HBCUs is stronger than ever,” said Steve Morikawa, vice president of corporate relations and social responsibility at American Honda, in a press statement. “We know that recent events have presented challenges for HBCU communities, and we’re working closely with HBCU presidents and local leaders on ways to best serve their communities.”
McDonald’s is also helping HBCU students with the introduction of its Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Fund worth $500,000 to help students continue their education amid the coronavirus pandemic. The scholarship, facilitated by Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), will be distributed for the 2020-2021 academic year.
“This year, donations to HBCUs are even more critical as students continue dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 and, now, civil unrest and demands for Black equality,” said Harry L. Williams, president and founder of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, in a press statement. “Black students, with allies from across the globe, are calling for companies to do more than issue statements and run ads. That’s why TMCF is excited to further our commitment with McDonald’s to help keep more Black students in college.”
“We know that education is the key to success,” said Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald’s franchisee, in a press statement. “With many college students uncertain of returning to classes in the wake of COVID-19, we understand HBCU students will be most impacted. As a brand with roots that run deep in communities, McDonald’s has been part of these students’ lives while growing up and is the place where many received their first jobs. We want to help ease some of the stress caused by this pandemic as they plan to return to school.”