Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. just celebrated its fourth year raising a goal of $1 million for HBCUs, and this year the goal was exceeded by double! Read the official release below to learn more about the sorority’s efforts.
For the fourth consecutive year, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has earmarked a progressive goal to raise $1 million in 24 hours for their national HBCU Impact Day. Set for Monday, September 20, 2021, the annual HBCU Impact Day is a part of the sorority’s four-year $10 million fundraising goal led by AKA International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Glover. The organization’s more than 300,000 college-educated members, corporate partners, and donors have been challenged to contribute funds to assist with the ongoing fiscal sustainability and operations of the more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the country.
“Despite the recent national attention given to HBCUs in 2021 and incremental state and federal funding, HBCUs still lag far behind other institutions of higher learning when it comes to ongoing and sustainable support,” said Dr. Glover who is also the president of Tennessee State University and an HBCU graduate.
In 2021, the sorority gifted $1.6 million to 35 eligible four-year HBCUs. The endowments on these campuses will grow in perpetuity and help schools reduce student debt through scholarships, fund industry-specific research, and provide much-needed infrastructure maintenance.
HBCUs continue to face the double threat of a global pandemic and being under-resourced. Although the country is opening up, COVID-19 is ever evolving and brings a high level of uncertainty on whether students can safely return to campus for in-person learning. “Now more than ever is the time for Alpha Kappa Alpha to step up—as we have done for more than 113 years—and be of service to our historic institutions of higher education,” added Dr. Glover. “Currently, HBCUs account for nearly 25% of bachelor’s degrees granted to African Americans.
I cannot imagine a world without HBCUs, but I can imagine how much stronger the world would be if we all supported the HBCU community.”
Members and supporters have surpassed the $1 million goal. Last year’s Impact Day raised $1.3 million in 2020.
HBCU Impact Day is part of the sorority’s recognition of HBCU Week. On September 20, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chapters around the globe will host fundraising events in support of the $1 million fundraising goal. Interested donors can make contributions by giving by mail or online at http://donate.akaeaf.org during the 24-hour campaign. For more information on the sorority’s commitment to HBCUs, visit www.AKA1908.com
