HAMPTON, Va. – Dominion Energy donated $35 million to 11 historically black colleges and universities in Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina through an initiative aimed at promoting higher education equity.
The six-year “HBCU Promise” program will provide $25 million in funding to select institutions. A $10 million scholarship fund will support African American and underrepresented minority students across the company’s service territory.
Thomas F. Farrell, II, the company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, released the following statement:
“We have all been witness to our country's evolving conversation on race and social justice. The country is changing, and we have been looking for ways that we can make a difference. Investing in these important institutions – which serve as a springboard for social and economic mobility for so many – is one way we can help. We have actually partnered with HBCUs for nearly 40 years, offering volunteer and financial support. As I have said before, we are humbled and honored to continue supporting them with this current initiative.”
Dominion looked at a range of factors in choosing the institutions, including locations with a significant customer presence, past partnerships and opportunities to make immediate impact. In structuring the partnerships, the company says it will focus on operating needs, urgent capital needs, endowment and scholarships.
The schools to receive the donations are:
Virginia
- Hampton University
- Norfolk State University
- Virginia Union University
- Virginia State University
South Carolina
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Claflin University
- South Carolina State University
Ohio
- Central State University
- Wilberforce University
North Carolina
- North Carolina A&T State University
This new program is in addition to a recent $5 million commitment made by Dominion Energy and the company’s charitable foundation to support social justice, community reconciliation and rebuilding.
