2 Chainz Teams Up With PepsiCo To Increase STEM Opportunities At HBCUs

Last week, PepsiCo announced the launch of Taste of Tomorrow, an initiative aimed at boosting Black representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.

With a $350,000 investment, PepsiCo, along with the PepsiCo Foundation, will provide scholarships and additional resources to HBCUs to support students pursuing careers in food science and technology.

During a roundtable interview, rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz, who is collaborating with PepsiCo on this initiative, shared his personal connection and aspirations for the program. "This initiative is important to me personally because I'm someone who benefited from an HBCU and HBCU education," said 2 Chainz, an HBCU alumnus from Alabama State. "It's always important for me to give back to those who helped me along the way in my journey and to also try to help ensure that the current and the future students know that they have my support they need to get ahead and to thrive."

2 Chainz further elaborated on the potential impacts of Taste of Tomorrow, stating, "It will help close the opportunity gap in the STEM fields by giving particularly the Black students an opportunity to create more in a workplace or with the workforce in this industry. So I have known about STEM cell research for quite some time, but I think it's really cool that the HBCUs are actually targeting and bringing that initiative to our students. And I see that even current students or alumni will have an opportunity to build and create a legacy through this."

Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President at PepsiCo, emphasized the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. "HBCUs play a critical role in developing the next generation of Black leaders," Montgomery noted. "Through 'Taste of Tomorrow,' we're not only supporting educational achievements but also ensuring these students can make substantial contributions to society in their future careers."

The initiative also includes partnerships with HBCUs to host R&D educational workshops, enhancing students' hands-on learning experiences and better preparing them for STEM careers.