PepsiCo launched Style of Tomorrow, a brand new initiative geared toward growing Black illustration in STEM (Science, Know-how, Engineering, and Math) careers. Presently, Black professionals make up solely 9% of the STEM workforce. To handle this disparity, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Basis are investing $350,000 in scholarships and sources for college students at Traditionally Black Schools and Universities (HBCUs), significantly these pursuing careers in meals science and know-how.
As a part of the initiative, 2 Chainz, a proud HBCU alum, is becoming a member of PepsiCo because the marketing campaign’s spokesperson, leveraging his platform to encourage and encourage college students. “As an HBCU Alum, I’m excited to share my platform and companion with PepsiCo’s Style of Tomorrow to assist range in STEM and produce consciousness to the proficient graduates from HBCUs getting into the workforce,” mentioned 2 Chainz.
The initiative consists of $250,000 in scholarships throughout 9 HBCUs and an extra $100,000 to boost STEM packages at Florida A&M and Prairie View A&M Universities. PepsiCo goals to foster innovation and assist underrepresented communities, making a extra inclusive future for Black STEM professionals.
Talking with The Supply, 2 Chainz spoke about his involvement within the initiative.
As an HBCU alum, what does it imply to you personally to be concerned within the
“Style of Tomorrow” initiative, which focuses on growing Black illustration in STEM careers?
2 Chainz: Being an HBCU alum, this initiative hits dwelling for me. My time at Alabama State formed me, not simply as an artist however as a person. HBCUs have all the time been about extra than simply education-they’re about tradition, neighborhood, and alternative. With ‘Style of Tomorrow,’ doorways aren’t simply opening for Black college students in STEM, we’re breaking them down, letting them know that their potential is limitless. It’s about displaying the world that brilliance and innovation aren’t confined to sure spaces-they’re thriving in our HBCUs.
How do you see your position as a spokesperson for this initiative influencing college students at HBCUs, significantly those that could not have beforehand thought-about a profession in STEM?
2 Chainz: I do know what it’s wish to have huge desires however not all the time see individuals who seem like you in sure fields. STEM can really feel like a complete totally different world, nevertheless it’s a world we have to be a part of. My position is to indicate these college students that STEM isn’t only for another person —it’s for them, too. I’m right here to bridge that hole, to allow them to know that with the precise alternatives, they will innovate, create, and lead in any business.
STEM fields and hip-hop tradition may appear worlds aside to some. How do you suppose your platform as an artist may help bridge that hole and encourage extra Black college students to pursue careers in science and know-how?
2 Chainz: Hip-hop has all the time been about breaking boundaries and pushing limits, and STEM is not any totally different. Each are about creativity, innovation, and making one thing out of nothing. By my platform, I wish to present that the identical vitality we put into our music, our artwork might be utilized to science and know-how. It’s about inspiring the subsequent technology to see.
