The American Council on Education (ACE) has named Dillard University as one of seven institutions nationwide to participate in a new project, Creating Global Citizens: Exploring Internationalization at HBCUs, partially supported by the U.S. Department of Education. As part of the project, Dillard University will develop a strategic plan to internationalize its campus and curriculum.

“Internationalization is key to the continued success of HBCUs,” said Dillard University President Dr. Marvalene Hughes. “The Creating Global Citizens program will help Dillard students to broaden their worldview, while also helping them to compete in today’s global economy. In concert with our expanding study abroad program and our ongoing membership in the international Melton Foundation, the Creating Global Citizens program will further establish Dillard as a leading university for cross-cultural, experiential learning.”

“In the 21st century, if we do not prepare our graduates to join the global workforce, our economy and country will fall behind. That is why the Department of Education’s support for this effort and the work of these institutions is so critical,” said ACE President Molly Corbett Broad. “I congratulate these seven colleges and universities, which were selected after a very rigorous application process.”

“This grant is one of several efforts we are undertaking to give HBCUs, Minority Serving Institutions, and other schools the tools they need to educate students for success in our global society,” said Eduardo Ochoa, assistant secretary for postsecondary education at the U.S. Department of Education. “We look forward to the outcomes of ACE’s work and hope the results will serve as a model for other HBCUs and schools that serve students who are under-represented in international education.”

The seven institutions—Dillard, Howard, Lincoln (Mo.), North Carolina A&T, Savannah State, Tuskegee, and Virginia State universities —will examine their current international activities and over two years devise new strategies with advice from ACE to expand their global outlook.