Xavier University of Louisiana has announced that it is one of 10 institutions to receive a $5 million grant from Google, designed to help create pathways and opportunities for increased diverse representation in the STEM industry. The one-time unrestricted financial grant will provide Xavier with financial support for scholarships, technological infrastructure support, career readiness and curriculum development.

“I’m delighted to provide our HBCU partners with a $50 million unrestricted grant. These institutions are actively shaping the next generation of Black leaders and are helping build a more diverse workforce across all industries. This investment further solidifies our commitment to providing access and opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.” 

– Melonie Parker, Chief Diversity Officer, Google.

"With this grant by Google, we can begin to address the diversity gap in technology by offering our students new avenues of growth and innovation, while reinforcing and expanding the excellent programs we already have," said Reynold Verret, President of Xavier University of Louisiana. "We are grateful for this opportunity to help our students continue to thrive and develop their skills even further in such a vital industry. The last year has stressed the importance of technology in health innovation. Xavier already has an excellent reputation in the STEM fields, and the support offered by Google will open new doors for the future leaders we educate."

This investment builds on Google’s Pathways to Tech initiative, which was announced earlier this year and is designed to build equity for HBCU computing education, help job seekers find tech roles, and ensure that Black employees have growth opportunities and feel included at work.