HBCU “Rising Future Makers” program open for submissions

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — AT&T Dream in Black is gearing up for the second class of Rising Future Makers, a program designed to celebrate a class of 25 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities who are making a difference in their communities and campus.

Currently enrolled HBCU students, ages 18-25, can apply for this honor now through Oct. 31 at 11:59 a.m. EST, by uploading a short video on www.attdreaminblack.com/rfm to share how they’re pursuing their dreams and making an impact.

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AT&T Dream in Black has joined with Black-owned media and entertainment company, Aux Cord Wars Live, to bring live experiences to five HBCU campuses throughout October that will include a Power and Influence panel centered around the entrepreneurial journey while attending an HBCU. The panel will feature HBCU Buzz Founder, Luke Lawal and HBCU Pride Nation CEO and founder, Travis Jackson.

AT&T is also bringing back One Solution’s “AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Makers” three-part series. It will be hosted by notable HBCU alumnae and entertainment industry celebrities. The series premiere will run Sept. 26 through Oct. 31 on TV One and iOne Digital’s Madame Noire and GlobalGrind. The series will be produced for the second year by Relevé Entertainment, a leading Black female-owned production company.

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Gia Peppers — an award-winning on-air talent, entertainment journalist, content creator and podcaster — will also join the Dream in Black Rising Future Makers program as this year’s celebrity advocate.

“AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Makers will once again amplify HBCUs and shine a light on students who are making positive contributions to our society,” said Michelle Jordan, chief diversity officer, AT&T. “I’m inspired by how these students authentically show up and represent their campus and their community, and we are proud to support their drive to lead through adversity and be the example for future generations.”

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AT&T Dream in Black Rising Future Makers is also directly tied to HBCU efforts in creating more connected communities and helping bridge the digital divide, which disproportionately impacts communities of color. Therefore, through the program, honorees are awarded $5,000 a 5G-enabled mobile phone with one year of AT&T service. They are also granted access to connections to Dream in Black partners and celebrity advocates, professional networks and opportunities to support their dreams and ambitions.

“Becoming a Rising Future Maker has allowed me the opportunity to get even more of a jump start on the dreams and goals I have in my life,” stated 2021 Class Member, Rollin Jackson Jr. “As someone who is building their own leadership business, becoming a part of this program put me in rooms full of greatness that inspire me to continue taking all of my dreams to the next level.”

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