This Amazon-supported summer camp for kids empowers youth through HBCU values ​​- Essence

A summer camp for youth aims to strengthen the future of children based on HBCU values.

HBCYouth, a minority education program based on the principles and values ​​of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, has partnered with Amazon Access (the platform’s hub for SNAP EBT customers) to enhance its summer initiatives.

Similar to HBCUs, HBCYouth’s program aims to educate minority youth while increasing access to an otherwise hard-to-reach development resource within a traditionally underserved community, the website states. Participating universities include Tennessee State University and Morehouse College, with additional sponsorship support from Foot Locker and the AJ Terrell Foundation, a press release states.

As of 2022, HBCUs enrolled 10% of Black students and awarded 20% of degrees earned by Black college students. Additionally, HBCUs serve as an important contributor to Black professionals pursuing advanced careers and engaging with their community.

“As a graduate of Morehouse, the HBCU community not only helped me develop skills that prepared me for my career, but also a supportive network of lifelong connections that have helped me throughout the years,” said Brian Wright, founder of Camp HBCYouth, in a statement. “I’m excited to launch this new phase of Camp HBCYouth with Amazon to make a bigger impact in communities of color that need it most at an earlier stage in children’s lives.”

Registration is just $200 per child, and thanks to support from Amazon Access, scholarships will be awarded to eligible children ages preschool through 5th grade.

“At Amazon, we are committed to using our size and reach for good,” said Nancy Dalton, head of community experience and customer marketing at Amazon Access. “We are proud to partner with Camp HBCYouth to raise awareness of how families can save at Amazon stores during these important summer months.”