Rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz has joined PepsiCo to launch “Taste of Tomorrow,” a new initiative aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of Black professionals in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers.
Boosting Black representation in STEM
Despite STEM fields experiencing rapid growth, Black professionals currently make up just 9% of the workforce.
The “Taste of Tomorrow” initiative aims to break down the systemic barriers Black students face in pursuing STEM careers, such as limited access to advanced coursework and public programming.
Rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz, a HBCU alum, joins as the spokesperson for the program.
“As a HBCU alum, I’m excited to share my platform and partner with PepsiCo’s ‘Taste of Tomorrow’ to support diversity in STEM and highlight the talented graduates from HBCUs entering the workforce,” said 2 Chainz in a press release.
$350K for scholarships and resources
PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation are investing $350,000 in scholarships and resources for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The PepsiCo Foundation is distributing $250,000 in scholarships across nine HBCUs for the 2025 school year. Participating schools include Howard University, Florida A&M, and Hampton University, among others.
In addition to scholarships, PepsiCo is contributing $100,000 to enhance STEM programs at Florida A&M and Prairie View A&M Universities.
Engaging and inspiring HBCU students
The initiative also includes an R&D educational workshop series on these campuses to further engage and inspire students.
Through on-campus culinary and innovation events featuring PepsiCo brands like Doritos® and Pepsi® Zero Sugar, the initiative seeks to blend culture and science, making STEM more approachable.
“HBCUs are a critical pillar of impact, influence, and opportunity, nurturing the next generation of Black leaders,” said Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Multicultural Development at PepsiCo.
“With the launch of this campaign, we’re not only helping to create a more diverse and inclusive workforce for the STEM field, but also drive innovation and progress in the food industry.”
Feature Image Credit: People
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