---

Frankfort, KY ­– Kentucky State University (KSU) student, Joshua Claybrooks, has been announced as a 2024 HBCU Scholar with the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This program honors current HBCU students for their outstanding academic excellence, leadership potential, and commitment to their communities. As an HBCU Scholar, Claybrooks will serve as a representative and advocate of KSU and HBCU student voices while also partaking in many professional development and networking opportunities.

“We are very proud of Joshua as he embarks as a HBCU Scholar with the White House Initiative. This is a testament to how all KSU students strive to make big impacts and do not have to wait until graduating to do so,” said Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, President of KSU. “This will be a great opportunity for Joshua to gather new experiences, learn, network with senior officials at the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, and many more. We look forward to seeing the great things he will do and wish him the best.”

The HBCU Scholar Recognition Program’s 2024 cohort is comprised of 110 scholars representing 23 states and 11 countries. This group of individuals were selected from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants. The 2024 cohort includes students from a diverse array of disciplines including science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, the arts and more. These scholars have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to service and leadership in their communities.

"I am delighted to announce the 2024-2025 HBCU Scholars representing 77 of our nation’s HBCUs. These students exemplify the excellence and leadership that is characteristic of the HBCU community,” said Dietra Trent, Executive Director of White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “I anticipate and look forward to our partnership over the next academic school year.”

Throughout the year, HBCU Scholars will engage in a series of monthly master classes, workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their professional development and facilitate greater access to post-graduation opportunities. HBCU Scholars will be able to connect and learn from industry leaders, policymakers, and alumni of the program, further expanding their perspectives and enriching their collegiate experience. As a math education major, Claybrooks was especially excited by the prospect of connecting with officials from the U.S. Department of Education and Initiative partners such as NASA to help shape the future of education.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to represent KSU and serve as a connection between the White House and Kentucky State University,” said Claybrooks. “I am most excited about networking with other scholars and working with NASA, while finding creative ideas to help KSU and my future endeavors.”

As a participant in the program, Claybrooks will have the opportunity to elevate the HBCU student voice and advocate for ways that the Initiative and its partners can better support students not only at KSU but at all HBCUs.

“Participating in this program is meaningful because I can make the change I wanted to see and strive for anything I want in life and [receive] help with kickstarting my career,” said Claybrooks.

Claybrooks is anticipated to graduate from KSU in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in math with specialization in math education. Following graduation, he plans to begin his career as a middle school math teacher and start a charter school later in life. 

For more information about Kentucky State University please visit www.kysu.edu

For more information about the HBCU Scholar Recognition Program visit https://sites.ed.gov/whhbcu/whihbcu-competitiveness-scholars/