Launch of Project Height Scholarship Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation and National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Establish Scholarship in Collaboration with Meta to Study the Intersection of Technology and Civil Rights
(WASHINGTON, DC, Feb. 17, 2023) — The Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation (DIHEF) and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) announced the launch of the Project Height Scholarship Program, supported by Meta, to invest in the next generation of civil rights and technology leaders for a 2023 class.
President of the Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation Alexis Herman welcomed the creation of the Project Height Scholarship Program and said, “Our hope is that our collective effort will advance inclusive technology product and policy development industry-wide, ensuring that the interests of underrepresented groups are counted.”
Shavon Arline-Bradley, president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc (NCNW), also lauded the effort, “We are delighted to launch this scholarship together with the Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation and Meta. The scholarships will complement our ongoing efforts to lead, advocate for, and empower students, with its emphasis on supporting underrepresented groups as they pursue this field of study and contribute to a safer and more inclusive tech ecosystem.”
Named after Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, who was president of the NCNW for over 40 years, the program will fund the establishment of twenty-six scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students with a career interest in civil rights and responsible technology product development. The scholarships will be open to undergraduate and graduate students of any discipline, with each scholarship awarding students $10,000 towards their studies. While funded by Meta, the DIHEF, in partnership with the NCNW, will select scholars to be part of the 2023 class.
Scholars will be invited to participate in Meta sponsored programming designed to inform students on how to look at the technology field via a civil rights lens in areas such as data science, product management, inclusive design and user experience.
Julie Wenah, Associate General Counsel and Product Lead, Civil Rights at Meta, added, “The emerging global focus on responsible technology, equitable products and offerings require intentional investments in future leaders. Meta’s investment in the Project Height Scholarship is in tribute to the principles Dr. Dorothy I. Height embodied – service to our global community and bridging divides between communities.”
To apply for the scholarship students will be required to submit a personal statement demonstrating that they have a commitment to service through volunteer efforts as well as an interest in the intersection of technology and civil rights. Applications open February 17, 2023. Applicants will be required to submit applications and required supporting documents by March 3, 2023 at 11:59pm EST / 8:59pm PST. Applicants will be informed of a decision by March 24, 2023. Full eligibility criteria and details of how to apply can be found at ncnw.org and on dorothyireneheight.org.
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About the Dorothy I. Height Education Foundation
The Dorothy I. Height Foundation® is committed to serving as a springboard to disadvantaged minority students with a passion for learning. Our long-term vision is to seek successful partnerships with existing non-profit organizations, charitable organizations and educational institutions with similar goals to create and support innovative programs that will educate and empower women, youth and young adults within the United States and abroad. Efforts to raise funds to provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, stipends and emergency funds are ongoing and assiduous. For more information, please visit dorothyireneheight.org
About the National Council of Negro Women
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is a Washington, D.C.-based national and international charitable organization making a difference in the lives of women, children, and families through a four-pronged strategy that emphasizes entrepreneurship, health equity, STEAM education, and social justice. Founded 86 years ago, NCNW has 330 community and campus-based sections and thirty-two national affiliates representing more than two million women and men. NCNW’s programs are grounded on a foundation of critical concerns known as Four for the Future. NCNW is known for GoodHealthWINs which provides trusted health care information, for producing the Black Family Reunion and the HBCU College Fair. For more information please visit www.ncnw.org or NCNW’s social channels via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
About Civil Rights at Meta
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. In 2021, we set up our Civil Rights Team – a VP-led, dedicated civil rights team in the technology industry. In January 2021, Roy L. Austin, Jr. was hired as VP and Deputy General Counsel, Civil Rights. Since then, Roy has grown his team to include people with a combined 150 + years of technical, legal, and institutional civil rights expertise.