Courtesy of Edward Waters University
Earlier today representatives from The Propel Center and Apple, Inc. visited the campus of Edward Waters University (EWU) to present a check in the amount of $300,000.00 to EWU President & CEO, Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr. in support of academic programming, research, and learning opportunities particularly in the areas of the arts and entertainment industries. “As Florida’s ‘Destination Institution’ of Emerging Eminence, we are honored to accept this signature gift from our partners at The Propel Center which will also support the continued advancement of our institution’s mission to provide expanded and relevant high quality academic and experiential opportunities to under gird the comprehensive success of our students,” President Faison said. In an afternoon ceremony Dr. Charles Gibbs, President of The Propel Center, made the award presentation to President Faison along with current EWU students and staff. “We at The Propel Center proud to make this investment at Edward Waters University as we are excited to become a partner in the positively transformative work being achieved by EWU under the dynamic visionary leadership of President Faison,” Dr. Gibbs said during the gift ceremony.
Upon careful consideration of the 44 impressive proposals submitted, Edward Waters University was one of ten HBCU’s nationally chosen to receive a grant focused on the Arts and Entertainment. Relatedly, through this support from The Propel Center, EWU will work towards developing its D.R.E.A.M. program (i.e., Developing Resources for Entertainment, Arts, and Music) which aims to establish an incubator of future music and arts executives from amongst EWU students. The new grant also seeks to support the production of a pipeline of EWU students with music industry experience upon graduation.
The new D.R.E.A.M. program looks to target 10-20 students who will participate in a monthly programs and seminar featuring current music moguls as facilitating teachers and instructors. While enrolled at EWU students and staff will have an opportunity to visit The Propel Center in Atlanta, GA to network and collaborate with other HBCU Propel member institutions and students.
