Bowie State Students Named White House HBCU Competitiveness Scholars

Darious Lawson & Richard Clay Recognized for Academic Achievement, Campus Involvement & Entrepreneurial Vision

MEDIA CONTACT: Damita Chambers, [email protected], 301-832-2628 mobile

(BOWIE, Md.) - Two Bowie State University students have been selected by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities as 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars - the initiative's highest student recognition.

Richard Clay, a junior computer technology major, and Darious Lawson, a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in counseling psychology, were among 44 students from 33 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who received this honor.

The 2020 HBCU Competitive Scholars-comprised of undergraduate, graduate, professional and international students-were selected from among several highly distinguished HBCU students endorsed by their institution's presidents. Throughout the 2020-21 academic year, Competitiveness Scholars will have a unique opportunity to collaborate as they explore best practices in leadership and professional development.

Clay, an active member of BSU's Entrepreneurship Academy, plans to use this experience to expand his network and share his passion for technology entrepreneurship. Through a fellowship with HBCUvc, a non-profit that teaches HBCU students about venture capital and investing, he has learned the importance of building relationships and having a seat at the table. "I'm looking forward to meeting student entrepreneurs with businesses that I could help get funding for. I'm here to be a student advocate. I want to find resources that can help more students who don't know about these things."

For Lawson, this program adds another layer to the foundation he's building for a future career in housing and urban development. After completing his master's degree he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in public policy. "My goal is to ensure that minorities have more equity in the housing market. I also plan to tackle the unjust gentrification that undermines urban neighborhoods across America. This initiative gives me the opportunity to connect with like-minded scholars and leaders of the future."

The cohort typically assembles during the annual National HBCU Week Conference. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars will not be able to convene in Washington, D.C., for the National Recognition Program in the fall. Instead, plans are underway for an online recognition and virtual campaign to ensure the scholars receive their acknowledgement during the 2020 Virtual HBCU Week Conference. During this virtual event, they will participate in workshops designed to strengthen their leadership and will be encouraged to seek out ongoing personal and professional development in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.

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About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.