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Let’s Connect to feature Exchange Study Opportunities between UWI and HBCUs

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks (Photo Derrick Scott)

by Derrick Scott

[WASHINGTON, DC] –  Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks will host Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI )Mona Campus , Professor Dale Webber on her monthly series, Lets Connect with Ambassador Marks, on Thursday May 26, 2022, at 7:00 pm EDT.

Ambassador Marks stated that the upcoming virtual town hall will highlight the opportunities being created by UWI in collaboration with HBCUs for exchange programmes. In addition to scholarships for students at UWI Mona and students attending HBCUs in pursuit of academic excellence.

Howard University Exchange Programmes

The Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Howard University University Dr. Tashni-Ann DuBroy will also join the program as a special guest. DuBroy will highlight the opportunities being created by Howard University for exchange programmes for students at UWI Mona and students attending HBCUs.

The UWI is also holding discussions with the top rated HBCUs and Diaspora members to expand scholarships to facilitate participation in the exchange programmes.

Dale Webber, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus
Dale Webber, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus

Ambassador Marks said she was very pleased that Dr. Webber and Dr. DuBroy have accepted her invitation to have a direct conversation with members of the Diaspora given the important role that HBCUs continue to play in educating members of the Jamaican Diaspora in the United States.

HBCU Pride

HBCUs are higher education institutions within the United States that were originally established with a mandate of providing education opportunities to African-American students. This was done in the 19th Century to offset the historical injustices of slavery and later segregation and their resulting impact on education within the Black community.

Jamaican students will be identified to launch the exchange programme. This is expected to increase to approximately a thousand students annually.

Ambassador Marks said there are currently a little over 100 HBCUs in the United States, representing approximately 3% of US higher-education institutions. These institutions are concentrated around the south-eastern United States. While predominantly catering to Black/African-American students, non-Black students made up approximately 24% of enrollment at HBCUs.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor along with UWI’s Campus Registrar, Dr. Donovan Stanbury and Bursar Mrs Catherine Park Twaites are in Washington this week to hold educational discussions aimed at strengthening the bonds between the UWI and the HBCUs.

They will also be meeting with the US Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs as well as the president of various universities. These include Dr. Mark Wrighton President of Georgetown University, Dr. Wayne Frederick, President of Howard University and Dr. Tony Allen, President of Delaware State University and Chair

‘Let’s Connect with Ambassador Marks’

Let’s Connect with Ambassador Marks’ enables members of the Diaspora to communicate directly with the Ambassador. Especially about matters affecting their lives in the USA. Plus, stay up to date with the Government’s policies and programmes, as well as the Embassy’s activities.

Ambassador Marks is occasionally joined by distinguished guests. Guests include US government officials, key players in various local and international organizations. In addition, prominent members of the Jamaican Diaspora.

South Florida Caribbean News

The SFLCN.com Team provides news and information for the Caribbean-American community in South Florida and beyond.

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