Aspire, White House Partner To Reach HBCU Students

Aspire is partnering with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities to increase awareness of the value and the legacy of HBCUs, the network announced.

The partnership will look to expose HBCU college students to entrepreneurs and professionals in corporate and private businesses to help guarantee the future success of African-American students, our communities and our nation. The strategic collaboration is a part of Aspire initiative to promote excellence in education among African-American students at HBCUs and to provide those students with professional development and support. 

Aspire will also support the WHIHBCU via on-air, online and social media by producing and broadcasting a series of custom vignettes showcasing the HBCU Week Conference running Sept. 22-23, said the network. In addition, the network will develop "I Aspire” profiles featuring students from the inaugural WHIHBCU All-Stars class. 

“Aspire is extremely proud to expand its commitment to improve educational opportunities for African- American youth at HBCUs by partnering with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Paul Butler, general manager, Aspire in a statement.  “We recognize that HBCUs are an important part of our culture and safeguarding their legacy, along with enhancing educational, professional and entrepreneurial opportunities for the next generation of leaders, is critical to our nation’s future.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.