Students at Claflin University and residents of the greater Orangeburg community will benefit from a $1.5 million grant from Dominion Energy.
Claflin University is one of 11 historically black colleges and universities benefitting from Dominion Energy’s six-year “HBCU Promise.” The program will support endowments, capital projects, operating expenses and educational programs in clean energy at HBCUs in Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina.
“Claflin University is extremely grateful for Dominion Energy's financial support of South Carolina's historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Their investment will assist us with expanding academic and career opportunities for our visionary scholars,” said Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, president of Claflin University. “The grant will also provide support for the University's new student center which will offer educational, recreational, cultural, and social activities that meet the needs of Claflin's diverse campus population and the Greater Orangeburg community."
The grant to Claflin University will:
(1) provide technology to assist with the efficacy of virtual teaching and learning platforms and systems;
(2) increase the endowment which will enable Claflin to offer scholarships to attract and retain high-achieving scholars and accomplished educators who are intellectual leaders in their respective fields, in addition to supporting innovative faculty and student research; and
(3) provide funding for a Center for Student Life, which will enhance the Claflin University experience through programs and services that create intentional student engagement. Residents of the Orangeburg community will also have access to the Center which will contribute to creating external partnerships that benefit the University and neighboring communities.
“Dominion Energy is committed to helping achieve education equity through our ongoing support of historically black colleges and universities,” said Rodney Blevins, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “We recognize the importance of investing long term in these students and their schools, which are an important source of talent that we need to help develop and retain in South Carolina. Dominion Energy is honored to support institutions of higher learning and students who are striving for excellence.”
Dominion Energy also has committed $10 million in scholarships to assist African-American and other underrepresented minority students who reside in the company’s service area. Students can learn more and apply at
DominionEnergy.com/EquityScholarships.