Lowe’s is in the business of building.
Building homes, communities… and careers. And we believe greater access to education leads to more opportunities.
For 20 years, Lowe’s has partnered with top organizations to open more doors for students to access higher education. As just one example, last year, Lowe's made a $10 million investment in a public-private initiative that included a significant contribution to Johnson C. Smith University.
Now, through a series of unique partnerships, Lowe’s is investing another $9 million in select schools and scholarship programs to provide traditionally underrepresented students with pathways to Lowe’s employment.
I know firsthand the power of education and the impact it has when someone empowers you to go out and take on life’s challenges.
“For many years, Queens University and the other schools with which we’re partnering have been educating and inspiring young people to become their best selves – to dream bigger, reach higher and achieve more than they might ever have thought possible. These investments will provide critical funding to help more students realize their full potential," Ellison said.
Through these partnerships, Lowe’s is committed to strengthening our future talent pipeline and building a workforce that can support all of our customers and understand how to fully meet their needs. Today, Lowe’s is excited to share the news of two of the eight institutions receiving funding support. Together, we’re excited to build the future of Lowe’s through these investments in community, higher education and talent development.
Queens University of Charlotte
Lowe’s is thrilled to offer a $2.5 million grant to Queens University that will provide tuition scholarships for Lowe’s cohort business students in the university’s new Charlotte Talent Initiative program. The university, established in 1857, offers 24 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs.
"The Charlotte Talent Initiative is an immersive cohort program designed to accelerate the economic trajectories of students who have historically been excluded," President Dan Lugo said in a release. "We are beyond honored to have Lowe's as our first corporate partner in this bold effort that begins to level the playing field for talented young people, regardless of their socioeconomic background, while also fueling Charlotte's engine of economic mobility."
North Carolina Central University
NCCU will receive a $1.5 million investment from Lowe’s. The funding will support the construction and completion of NCC’s business school. Established in 1910, NCC is an active HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and has a student population of about 8,000. It offers programs for Schools of Business, Education, Law, Library & Info Sciences, Graduate Studies and Colleges of Health & Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities.
“On behalf of the students, faculty, staff and alumni of NCCU, we are grateful to Lowe’s for their generous gift that will greatly enhance the learning environment and academic experience for our students and amplify our efforts to develop astute business leaders,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, chancellor of NCCU, in the university’s news release. “NCCU’s School of Business is a signature academic program that produces influencers who serve in key leadership roles in numerous business sectors. I’m certain that the new partnership bearing Lowe’s name will fuel new ideas from our scholars that will transform business industries of today and tomorrow.”
Sampson Community College
Lowe’s is proud to invest $500,000 in Sampson Community College. SCC will apply the donation to student scholarships and the creation of a trades school on campus that will help improve student access to Construction and Home Improvement programs. The new Sampson Trades Center will house programs focused on the trades and entrepreneurship.
“We are excited to partner with Lowe’s in support of our shared goal to develop a pipeline of new trades professionals,” said SCC President Bill Starling. Established in 1967, Sampson Community College offers instruction in basic skills through collegiate studies and continuing education for adults from GEDs to vocational certifications.
Paul Quinn College
Paul Quinn College will receive a $1 million investment from Lowe’s as part of the company’s broader giving commitment. This financial support will allow for the enhancement and expansion of housing at Paul Quinn College, Plano – where students participate in the Corporate Work Program. The newest residential space is part of a housing complex that represents the first new buildings on the campus in more than 40 years.
“Lowe’s out-of-the-box thinking and innovative approach to this partnership is consistent with what we know makes them a special company and an invaluable resource in fighting intergenerational poverty,” said Paul Quinn President Michael J. Sorrell. PQC offers degrees in programs like Business Administration, Health & Wellness, Liberal Arts, Legal Studies and Criminology, Religious Studies and Education Certifications.
LeMoyne-Owen College
Lowe’s is proud to announce a $1 million gift to LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC). The financial investment will support three key areas on campus: an emergency scholarship program, cybersecurity program scholarships, and health and wellness improvements. Through these focused areas, LOC aims to boost student recruitment, retention and graduation rates.
“LeMoyne-Owen College has much to celebrate during this, our 160th year. This transformation gift from Lowe’s will support our first Program of Distinction, student success in a variety of ways, and the rebirth of our Track & field program,” said LOC President Dr. Vernell Bennett-Fairs. “We are so grateful Lowe’s believes in and sees value in LOC’s planned resurgence. Multiple students and operations will be impacted by this generous gift.”
Tennessee State University
Another $1 million dollars is also being committed by Lowe’s to Tennessee State University. The school shared it would be using the gift to invest in student scholarships and curriculum programs, including online retail courses and case studies in supply chain management. As part of Lowe’s partnership with TSU, Lowe’s will also participate in career fairs and career placement programs on the school’s campus.
“Tennessee State University is excited to be partnering with Lowe's, and for the $1 million contribution to help our students complete their degrees and secure meaningful employment opportunities," says TSU President Glenda Glover. “At TSU, we strive for excellence, and this initiative will allow us to instill that mindset in students for generations to come, as we continue their professional development to be future leaders.”
These donations are part of a series of Lowe’s gifts and partnerships with historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) aimed to create educational opportunities and build pathways to Lowe’s employment. Check back as we continue to share these partnerships and how Lowe’s is building access to opportunity for a growing group of talented and hard-working students.
