Jackson State University (JSU) was recently awarded a $300,000 grant from a partnership between Apple and the Propel Center—"a first-of-its-kind innovation and learning hub for the HBCU community" in Atlanta.

Select JSU music students will gain industry experience and explore prospective careers through the Cortez Bryant Foundation's Creative Leadership for the Music Industry Professional Pipeline Program, which helps develop pathways for students eager to enter the music business.

"The Cortez Bryant Foundation is thankful for the opportunity to serve as the industry partner for this groundbreaking collaboration," says Nina Parker, a strategist for the foundation who also authored the grant. "We are excited to create a pathway to the music industry for JSU music students through professional development and project-based learning opportunities."

Cortez Bryant, an entertainment mogul who teaches at Jackson State, also celebrated the funding.

"This grant is really making a difference for HBCU youth through music and supporting the next generation of Black entertainment executives and artists. We are honored that they chose the Cortez Bryant Foundation and Jackson State University," he said.

Dr. Charles Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium, shared that the organization merely supports JSU's ongoing mission of fostering student success.

"It was clear that Jackson State University had a distinct mission to support their students through the implementation of innovative research and technology to advance the opportunities of their students who desire to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. We salute JSU in this effort," he said.

"The project is merging creativity and technology to provide a signature comprehensive learning experience for our students who are looking to a future in music and entertainment. This is the beginning of our effort to develop the next wave of music industry professionals," added JSU Provost Dr. Alisa Mosley.

JSU's arts and entertainment grant is part of the Propel Center's larger funding grants for HBCUs. Other universities like the University of the District of Columbia, Alabama State, and Prairie View A&M also received funding for different projects.

The news comes shortly after Jackson State and a handful of other illustrious institutions were awarded the Getty Images Photo Archive Grant for HBCUs, as Blavity previously reported. 

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