President Roderick Smothers to serve as a panelist on March 11th
Little Rock, Ark. (MARCH 9, 2021) – Philander Smith College will join Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) along with the Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Congressman French Hill (R-AR), other Members of Congress, and leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the fourth annual HBCU STEAM Days of Action, to be held virtually March 8-12.
“We are proud to participate alongside U.S. Rep. Adams, our Congressman French Hill, and other Congressional Members for HBCU STEAM Days of Action. HBCUs such as Philander Smith College contribute nearly $15 billion to our annual economy and have provided pathways of opportunity to millions of Americans, many of whom are first-generation college students. Despite being historically underfunded and under-resourced, these institutions continue to produce top talent. HBCUs produce 42% of Black engineers, 47% of Black women engineers, and 40% of the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Philander Smith College President Dr. Roderick L. Smothers Sr.
President Smothers will serve as a panelist for the Information Technology Industry Council event from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11. Open to the public, “Pandemics and Partnerships: How Public and Private Sector Engagement Can Propel a COVID Recovery” will explore the impacts of COVID-19 on HBCUs and the students they serve. Interested parties can register at http://bit.ly/2OzVriU.
“I am excited that Philander Smith College is joining the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus for HBCU STEAM Day. Philander Smith College is one of the many institutions of higher learning creating a stronger workforce and playing a critical role in creating the business leaders of the future,” said Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus. “HBCU STEAM Days are so important. It’s a time when HBCUs come to Capitol Hill to advocate for more equitable federal resources – and they don’t come alone. They are joined by industry leaders who have made a commitment to creating strategic and sustainable partnerships with HBCUs. As we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic and contemplate future challenges, it has never been more important to make sure every talented student has access to a world class science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education.”
During STEAM Days, HBCU and business leaders will meet with Republican and Democratic Members of Congress in the House and Senate. Over 70 HBCUs, organizations, technology companies, and industry leaders are sending representatives to participate in these days of advocacy.
For more information on HBCU STEAM Days, please contact Sam Spencer (Sam.Spencer@mail.house.gov) in the Office of Congresswoman Alma Adams.