By Ashley Brown
PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation have announced the launch of the “Taste of Tomorrow” initiative, aimed at increasing Black representation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Despite the rapid growth of STEM jobs, Black professionals currently represent only 9% of the workforce. To address this disparity, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation are investing $350,000 in financial support and additional resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), particularly for students pursuing careers in food science and technology.
Kent Montgomery, senior vice president of industry relations and multicultural development at PepsiCo, emphasized the vital role of HBCUs in nurturing Black talent. “HBCUs are a critical pillar of impact, influence, and opportunity, nurturing the next generation of Black leaders,” said Montgomery. “We are eager to continue our long-standing commitment of supporting diverse talent in our business and provide students with the resources needed to thrive in their careers and make a positive impact on the world.”
As part of the initiative, the PepsiCo Foundation will allocate $250,000 in scholarships for HBCU students pursuing STEM degrees across nine HBCUs for the 2025 academic year. The institutions include Benedict College, Bethune-Cookman University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, North Carolina Central University, and Prairie View A&M University. The application period will run from Sept. 9, 2024, through Dec. 2, 2024, with details available at PepsiCo’s scholarship portal.
Florida A&M and Prairie View A&M universities will also receive $100,000 in funding to enhance their STEM programs. This investment aims to foster innovation and support an R&D educational workshop series with hands-on learning opportunities. The workshops will cover topics from the latest trends in food sustainability to product development.
“The goal is to inspire students to think critically and creatively about how they can contribute to the future of food, equipping them with both the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the industry, Montgomery explained.
C.D. Glin, HBCU graduate and president of the PepsiCo Foundation, expressed a personal connection to the initiative. “By investing in HBCU students and supporting STEM education, we hope to inspire a new era of STEM professionals to not only change the future of this industry but provide long-term impact in their communities,” Glin said.
To engage students and fans on campus, PepsiCo’s popular brands—Pepsi® Zero Sugar and Doritos®—will be involved in culinary innovations led by in-house chefs and food-science experts. Campaign spokesperson and HBCU alum 2 Chainz will also participate, bringing his passion for supporting HBCU students to the forefront of the initiative.
“As an HBCU Alum, I’m excited to share my platform and partner with the PepsiCo’s Taste of Tomorrow initiative to support diversity in STEM and encourage students, all while bringing awareness to the talented graduates coming from HBCUs entering the workforce.” said 2 Chainz.
Regarding the partnership with 2 Chainz, Montgomery noted, “He brings a fresh, relatable perspective that bridges the worlds of entertainment, business, and education, making him the ideal partner to inspire and engage students in a meaningful way.”
The “Taste of Tomorrow” initiative also aims to combat systemic barriers that have hindered Black professionals’ growth in STEM fields, such as limited access to advanced STEM courses and lack of representation. By focusing on HBCUs that serve as cultural and educational hubs, PepsiCo seeks to create flavorful futures for students by advancing STEM education and promoting culinary innovation.
Montgomery explained the initiative’s broader goals. “We want students to see that they are the innovators of the future. The ‘Taste of Tomorrow’ campaign is about empowering HBCU students to take their creativity and passion for science, technology, and food to the next level,” he stated. “This initiative is a call to action to step into their full potential and know that companies like PepsiCo are here to invest in their ideas and dreams.”
The funds allocated under this initiative will primarily be used for scholarships, on-campus resources, and workshops, further enabling students to gain hands-on experience in food science and related STEM fields.