Six-figure grant advances Vulcan Diversity & Inclusion Council goals

Sources: Vulcan Materials Co., Birmingham, Ala.; CP staff

A $500,000 Vulcan Materials Company Foundation grant to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in key areas of the Southeast provides a) Scholarships and internships for students who win “pitch competitions,” to be judged by university leadership and members of Vulcan Materials’ Diversity & Inclusion Council; b) opportunities for students to improve innovation and infrastructure that businesses, higher education and government can support; c) company internships potentially leading to full-time employment; and, d) enhanced facility spaces that turn traditional college work spaces into tech-friendly study halls.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been leadership laboratories in America for more than 150 years and their value as part of the fabric of American life has never been more important,” says Vulcan Chairman Tom Hill. “Our Company is committed to creating new opportunities for rising young leaders, further building on our long-term diversity and inclusion and workforce development initiatives. This is vitally important to us, as is our commitment to superior safety and environmental performance and supplying essential infrastructure materials used throughout the economy.”

Vulcan announced the initiative at a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Houston. Company officials began discussing the grant with Conference President and Columbia (S.C.) Mayor Stephen Benjamin and peers in 2018. Mayor Benjamin has focused on innovation, inclusion and infrastructure as hallmark issues for his Conference term.