I am Elijah Crawley, a high school senior heading to college. I was accepted and plan to attend Howard University in the fall, but I need additional financial assistance to enroll. Howard awarded me a partial scholarship, but the partial scholarship will not be enough to cover the full cost of tuition. Any donations will help and be greatly appreciated. Would you please help me attend Howard?

Since childhood, I have taken great pride in critical thinking, asking questions, and using technical skills to create or repair things. When thinking about my future, I gravitated toward careers that involve using my hands and mind to provide solutions and solve challenges. Pursuing a career in engineering allows me to do what I love and advance how we live and work.


I would like to attend Howard University because it is ranked in various reports as one of the best HBCUs for engineering, and it is often ranked as the top HBCU in general. According to Howard’s website, Howard’s College of Engineering and Architecture has been among the top schools in the nation in the number of engineering degrees awarded to African Americans and other minorities.


First, a computer hardware engineering degree from Howard University means learning coursework in an accredited program to excel in the field. I would be learning from and supported by people who look like me and are vested in my future. Some studies show that the lack of representation in the engineering field leads to fewer people of color pursuing a degree in engineering, advanced degrees, and becoming faculty. I know that having a supportive and culturally competent community will be critical in reaching my degree goal.


Second, Howard’s partnership with Google is very attractive. I learned about the collaboration during my virtual Howard tour. The Howard West partnership can create a pathway for me to access internships and mentorship from those at the top of their engineering professions.


Third, I have a deep interest in artificial intelligence (A.I.). A.I. is a growing focus area in tech, but studies show that racism and bias in the hardware can harm the Black community. I want to use my degree to be a courageous voice for A.I. technology that positively impacts communities and does not add to systemic harm. The A.I. space is dominated by white men, and if people of color are not prepared and empowered in this space, we will be negatively impacted by their biases or lack of understanding.


If I raise enough money to attend Howard, I know that I will receive a high-quality education from an institution that values Black students and puts them on a successful engineering path through its corporate relationships and learning from experienced professors. A degree from a prestigious HBCU such as Howard means that I will be eagerly invited in the room and confidently maintain a seat at the table often dominated by white men. At that table, I will be academically, culturally, and confidently prepared to speak up about how we create and use technology for good. Engineering lacks diversity: without diversity, society misses out on diverse ideas, problem-solving and critical thinking that promote different and equitable ways to solve problems. In the true Howard spirit of service, it will be my obligation to represent Howard positively as a Black engineer, provide culturally sound innovation and be a model of inspiration for future Black engineers.


Please consider donating -- any amount -- to help me realize my dreams. Thank you in advance for your consideration!