Boeing makes $8M investment in HBCUs, including Alabama A&M

HUNTSVILLE — Boeing recently invested $8 million in a multi-year initiative with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to support a deep pool of future tech talent in North Alabama, offering financial aid, mentoring opportunities, and paid internships to students at 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, including Alabama A&M University in Huntsville.

Students in the program gain real-world experience working with Boeing engineers who support some of the nation’s top programs. The partnership will support student initiatives including talent sourcing, career and leadership development, and scholarships through 2026.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the black college community.

Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, the Marshall Fund is a resource in the K-12 and higher education space and a source for top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs.

“Our company’s success and our ability to innovate for our customers is driven by how we work together and live our values,” said Ted Colbert, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. “That includes prioritizing equity, diversity and inclusion, which is vital to achieving better business outcomes.

“Strategic partnerships, like those with HBCUs and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, help create a space where students can flourish – and they establish a talent pipeline that is vital to future innovation across the aerospace industry and here at Boeing.”

Marshall Fund President/CEO Dr. Harry Williams said the organization is thrilled about the continuation of their ground-breaking partnership with Boeing.

“The Boeing/TMCF/HBCU investment represents what we deem as best practice forcompanies who are committed to DEI,” he said. “Through this partnership, Boeing has made a deep and long-term commitment to HBCUs and the talented students that attend them.

“We’re excited about the continued success of the collaboration.”