Clark Atlanta University has received $250,000from Diageo North America to create a permanent endowment fund and provide financial aid grants to talented students across different disciplines and majors. This generous donation is part of a broader innovative program that Diageo North America announced to support 25 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), focused on building opportunities to develop future leaders and help shape a more equitable society. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students across the country for many years to come.

The grant will be distributed within the institution through a fund structure established to provide $25,000 to address the 2021-2022 academic year's immediate scholarship needs. At least 10 students each year who meet the set criteria will benefit from the endowment.

"I am elated about the generous gift provided to Clark Atlanta University by Diageo North America. Gifts like these provide our scholars with the crucial dollars and financial support they need to matriculate in private institutions such as CAU. Efforts like this help students in actualizing their academic and career goals," said Clark Atlanta Universitypresident George T. French Jr., Ph.D.

With the goal of helping to change the complexion of the industry, Diageo North America has also committed to taking a step to build a pipeline of talented leaders through an internship platform over the coming years, and Clark Atlanta University will be part of it. The company will provide  HBCU students opportunities to gain valuable work experience at a fast pace that could help them with their future career aspirations or jump-start their career in the consumer goods industry.

We are proud to partner with these esteemed institutions and to do our part to help shape a more equitable society by providing opportunities for future leaders," said Debra Crew, President, Diageo North America. This initiative further deepens Diageo's commitment to making a long term and sustainable impact on underrepresented communities."

This initiative was created by working closely with Diageo North America's African Heritage Business Resource Group (A.H.E.A.D.) to focus on priorities and actions, and the right partnerships that make the most meaningful impact in the Black community.

To learn more about Diageo's work to support the communities where it operates, including company values, visit www.diageo.com.