New Orleans, LA – Today, TikTok announced $1 million in funding to Xavier University of Louisiana as a part of their ongoing commitment to healthcare workers and academic institutions that serve underrepresented students with programs focused on public health professions in the medical and healthcare fields. The social media platform donated a total of $10 million to 10 academic institutions that serve minority students. Each school will receive $1 million in funding to support undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students pursuing medical careers or other health related fields, helping to ensure the success of future Black, Latinx, and Indigenous health heroes. 

"Many Xavierites have excelled to become the health heroes that are in high demand during the global pandemic,” said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. “This gift from TikTok allows talented young women and men with dreams to sharpen their gifts and succeed at becoming change agents in our community and across the nation through education." 

2020 has been a difficult year for many, but through it all there's been an unwavering symbol of hope and humanity shining through: healthcare workers. From epidemiologists to doctors to surge staff, front line healthcare workers are deserving heroes across the country – and these #healthheroes are equally lauded figures within the TikTok community, which is part of why TikTok donated $150 million earlier this year through the Health Heroes Relief Fund.

“Healthcare workers are the heroes of the global pandemic, and deserving heroes within the TikTok community,” said Belinda Frazier, Head of Culture and Diversity, TikTok North America. “The TikTok Health Heroes Relief Fund was created to support their efforts and we are honored to be able to continue our commitment to the healthcare community. We believe the next generation of health heroes should be reflective of the world around us and we are proud to support medical and health education programs that serve Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students." 

According to a 2018 article in Harvard Business Review, Black people make up 13 percent of the US population; but only four percent of US doctors and less than seven percent of US medical students self-identify as Black. In a qualitative study of Black students' perspectives on careers in medicine in the Journal of the National Medical Association, students reported financial constraints as one of the major barriers in pursuing a career in medicine. We believe investing in the next generation of Black, Latinx, and Indigenous doctors, nurses, pediatricians, surgeons, and other essential health care workers is one of the best ways to invest in the future of America. 

The gift benefits Xavier University of Louisiana, Tougaloo College, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina A&T University, South Carolina State University, Laredo College, University of South Dakota, Florida A&M, Delaware State, and Virginia Union College. The $1 million scholarships to each school will help ensure that students have access to the exceptional education in the medical and health fields offered at each institution. The 10 gifts are an investment in the future of the next generation of #healthheroes, who will reflect the diverse patchwork of American healthcare workers.