The Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the Baxter International Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Baxter International, have announced a three-year, $3.5 million commitment in support of students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are pursuing careers primarily in STEM fields and education.

To be launched in the fall of this year, the Baxter HBCU STEM Scholars Program will provide three years of support to approximately 40 students. Baxter employees also will provide mentoring opportunities throughout the partnership and in alignment with the company’s ACT: Activating Change Today initiative to advance inclusion and racial justice. The scholarship program is focused on addressing lower rates of Black students completing undergraduate college degrees within six years, which stands at 44 percent, compared with 63 percent of students overall. The program also will support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s Teacher Quality & Retention Program, which is designed to keep Black and Brown teachers in the classroom.

“The Baxter HBCU STEM Scholars Program is designed to help students from under-resourced populations address common challenges to increase the likelihood of graduation and early career success,” said Thurgood Marshall College Fund president and CEO Harry L. Williams. “We know that many students experience unforeseen financial hardships that put their plans for pursuing higher education in jeopardy. By reducing financial pressures and creating support networks, students can concentrate on academics and build the experiences needed for achievements at school and beyond.”