Virginia State University is one of six Black universities that will participate in a $2.5 million research and design project to build a framework for digital learning at HBCUs. The project is a first-of-its-kind $2.5 million Digital Learning Infrastructure (DLI) initiative led by Complete College America and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Other historically Black universities to participate in the project include Coppin State, Langston, Mississippi Valley State, Wiley College and Xavier. As part of the collaboration, VSU will receive funding to research, design infrastructure, and implement tools to support student recruitment, advisement and digital learning management that will promote learning and student success.

“Virginia State University is honored to be a proud partner in this groundbreaking initiative,” said Dr. Tammy McClain-Smith, VSU project team lead and director of Distance Education and VSU Online. “It’s imperative that we consider the most effective digital infrastructure processes, strategies, and tools to ensure our students receive the full benefit of receiving an education in an ever-advancing digital world.”

My Henrico Academy Applications

Applications are being accepted for My Henrico Academy, a free program that seeks to better connect immigrants in the area with the local government, community programs, services and resources.

First started in 2019, the academy will take place in seven group sessions on select Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m., from May through October in various county locations. Topics to be discussed will include business and learning opportunities, health and safety tips, and more, with meals provided.

While participation in My Henrico Academy is free, those interested must complete an application and pay a $50 deposit to reserve their spot if accepted. The fee will be refunded upon completing the program, with applications due by Wednesday, March 2. Candidates in general should be an immigrant or a descendant age 21 or older who resides in Henrico, be proficient in English, have access to transportation and be able to attend all sessions.

Applications may be submitted at apm.activecommunities.com/henricorecandparks/Activity_Search/14543.

More information can be found online or by contacting Raina Vann, multicultural community liaison for Henrico County, at (804) 501-5844 or van091@henrico.us.

CCPS Advisory Opening

Feb. 17 is the deadline for Chesterfield County residents to apply for an opening to represent the Midlothian district on the School Board Advisory Committee.

The vacancy can be filled by parents, teachers, county staff, students and others interested in aiding Chesterfield County Public Schools in their financial goals, with appointed members required to reside in the district they represent.

Meetings will generally be required to be held in person. Those unable to meet in person should note this point in their applications under “availability for meeting attendance.” More information about specific committees and the application link can be found at bit.ly/BdCom.

HBCU Photo Collection

The century-long legacy of historically black colleges and universities across the country is now being preserved through the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Collection and the inaugural Getty Images Photo Archive Grant for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Launched late last month, the $500,000 grant will support the digitization of up to 200,000 photos from Claflin University, Jackson State University, North Carolina Central University and Prairie View A&M University, creating an archive of images whose history stretches as far back as the late 19th century.

“The Getty Images Photo Archive Grants for HBCUs were created to honor the vast history of HBCUs and their contribution to American history,” said Cassandra Illidge, vice president of Partnerships at Getty Images. “We are committed to preserving the visual narrative of all cultures and communities to ensure these vital artifacts are accessible to storytellers around the world.”

Each HBCU will retain copyright for their photographs and any revenue generated will be funneled back into specific programs, with 50 percent going to grant recipients, 30 percent used for financial donations to HBCU scholarship funds, and the remaining revenue being reinvested to fund the Getty Images Photo Archive Grants for HBCUs each year.

The collection may be viewed at www.gettyimages.com/search/2/image?editorialproduct s=all&collections=hbcu