Miami?s unique advantages to global pathways: enhancing hbcu students? Opportunities to succeed through spanish proficiency [the humanities initiatives at hbcus grant will support the design of…

This $149,985 Project Grant award from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Promotion of the Humanities Teaching and Learning Resources and Curriculum Development program (CFDA 45.162) will support Florida Memorial University (FMU), a historically Black college and university (HBCU), in developing three new Spanish language courses focused on business, medical, and Hispanic cultural topics. The grant will enrich FMU's Department of Arts and Humanities curriculum, which currently offers only two elementary-level Spanish courses, despite the university's location in the Spanish-dominant Miami area. By expanding students' Spanish proficiency, the new course offerings are intended to enhance FMU's students' engagement with the city's resources and improve their job market prospects, particularly given systemic racism challenges faced by the predominantly Black student body. The project will run from September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028.

Miami?s unique advantages to global pathways: enhancing hbcu students? Opportunities to succeed through spanish proficiency [the humanities initiatives at hbcus grant will support the design of three new spanish courses at florida memorial university (FMU). These courses, focusing on business, the medical field, and hispanic culture, will enrich the offerings of FMU?s department of arts and humanities. Despite FMU?s location in miami dade, where spanish is prevalent, only two elementary-level spanish courses are offered. This limited curriculum restricts our students? Engagement with the city?s resources and places them at a disadvantage in the job market, where there is a high demand for this language. This disadvantage is particularly alarming given our predominantly black student body, facing increased job market obstacles due to systemic racism. By expanding their language skills, these courses will enrich our students? Human experiences and enhance their job prospects. This initiative aligns with FMU?s mission of creating global citizens and serves as a vehicle for advancing social justice.]