On Thursday, July 18, the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) celebrated and welcomed 150 new FOSSI scholars at a virtual gathering of more than 300 students, family, friends, and corporate partners. With the addition of the new class, FOSSI has close to 600 scholars from 32 states who are enrolled at 46 HBCUs across the country.
2024 FOSSI scholar welcome video
At the beginning of the program, the FOSSI scholar welcome video was played for the new class of scholars.
Watch the video below to share in the excitement of FOSSI’s class of 2024!
More on the 2024 FOSSI scholar virtual welcome event
During the hour-long program, guests heard from a distinguished group of speakers, including Ashley Christopher, Founder and CEO of HBCU Week Foundation; Alveda Williams, Chief Inclusion Officer at Dow; and Congresswoman Alma Adams (D-NC), Chair and Founder of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.
Christopher, a double HBCU alum, congratulated the new scholars and reflected on her own journey, stating, “My HBCU experience taught me that no matter what room I walk into, I add value. My voice is necessary and I matter.”
Williams shared why she felt particularly connected to FOSSI and the scholars. “I feel like I know you 
because I am you,” she said. “I got a scholarship to attend an HBCU and major in the STEM field of my choice. This opportunity provided to me so many years ago single-handedly changed the trajectory of my life and opened up a path for me that I never knew was possible.”
Congresswoman Alma Adams highlighted the need to alleviate barriers to education, citing the critical importance of scholarships and grant funding to empower HBCU students, noting, “HBCUs create a 
bigger and stronger workforce by providing a nurturing and culturally relevant environment that is unmatched and a place where students can be their full selves and thrive.” She thanked FOSSI for “recognizing the need and providing a solution.”
The FOSSI program overview and closing remarks
Following the remarks, Adrienne Blanks, Manager of FOSSI Scholar Engagement and Education, introduced herself as the scholars “go-to person” and gave an overview of the FOSSI program benefits and expectations.
In closing Williams thanked guests and shared a final piece of advice. “If you want to change the world, if you want to make a difference, welcome to FOSSI, because the future starts right here.”
Watch the full event below!
Learn more about the 2024 class.
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.