GSU student selected as scholar by white house initiative

Grambling State University (GSU) student Jordan Braithwaite has been selected as an HBCU Scholar by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She is among 86 students from across the nation being recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and more.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a press release that the HBCU Scholars all have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their learning and exemplify the talent that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have nurtured for generations.

“The students who hold this honor are committed to creating a more just and equitable society through their civic engagement,” he said. “They are leaders and change-makers in their communities, and I cannot wait to learn from them as they serve as ambassadors both for the White House Initiative and their institutions of higher education.”

The Initiative will provide scholars with information about the value of education and networking opportunities. Through their relationships with communitybased organizations, and public and private partners, scholars will also share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for young people to achieve their educational and career potential.

“This honor will involve me serving as a student ambassador for the White House Initiative where I will ensure that information, resources, and opportunities are distributed to my fellow classmates at Grambling State University,” Braithwaite said. “Additionally, I will assess and articulate my professional aspirations as well as the needs of my institution, to determine the many ways that the Initiative can support me, my fellow classmates, and Grambling State.”

The sophomore history major with a concentration in law and society said she is looking forward to the participating in the program.

“I am overjoyed and extremely grateful to not only being selected as a Scholar, but to be recognized on a platform of this magnitude for my academic achievements, campus leadership, and civic engagement,” Braithwaite said. “I also must give a special thank you to President Gallot for nominating me for this honorable position, and a thank you to my mentor, Ayeisha Gipson, for consistently motivating me to work hard to excel and be selected for honorable programs such as this.”

Braithwaite, of St. Louis, Missouri, was chosen Freshman Class President, is Miss NAACP-elect for 2021-22 and will serve as a resident assistant for the fall semester. This summer, she is completing an internship with Greenwood Project, a nonprofit organization that strives to build a diversity pipeline for minority students to enter the financial services industry.

Braithwaite has been invited to attend the 2021 Annual National HBCU Week Conference which will feature workshops designed to help HBCU students learn practices in areas such as leadership, professional development, HBCU excellence, and workforce development. Any HBCU student who is interested can check out the General Registration link at https://cvent.me/BQP1rm.