IBM pledges $100 million in support to HBCUs, including Hampton and Norfolk State

Hampton University and Norfolk State University will receive support from IBM as part of a multi-year effort to promote experiences for students at historically Black colleges and universities.

In a news release Thursday, the company said that it is donating more than $100 million in such assets as guest lectures, curriculum content and software by the end of the year. The initiative is aimed at increasing diversity in the computing field, supporting education in topics like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

The announcement is the latest in a string of large investments by philanthropists and businesses this year, including a $30 million gift from Mackenzie Scott for Hampton University announced in July. IBM said in the news release that the donation is part of the company’s social justice and racial equality efforts.

The company also announced Tuesday a new IBM-HBCU Quantum Computing Center, a multi-year program focused on connecting students and faculty with resources in the emerging field of quantum computing.

Hampton University and Virginia Union University are among the 13 HBCUs selected to participate in the program.

“Diversity is a source of competitive advantage, essential to create a thriving quantum industry,” said Director of IBM Research Dario Gil in the release. “We could not be more excited about partnering with our HBCU colleagues to help educate and empower the first generation of quantum computing native students and researchers.”