Lawson State to participate in new Propel Center facility

Lawson State Community College announced in January it will partner with Propel Center, a new global campus in Atlanta that will help students at more than 100 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) around the country learn about technology and entrepreneurship through virtual and in-person instruction.

“Lawson State looks forward to the opportunity to connect with the great network of HBCUs through the Propel Center,” said Cynthia T. Anthony, the school’s interim president, in a news release.

Propel Center was created by Ed Farm, a nonprofit supported by Apple and Southern Company, and is designed to connect HBCU students to technology curriculum, cultural thought leaders, entrepreneurship skills development and accelerator programs, with a focus on social justice and equity.

Curriculum options will include AI and machine learning, agricultural technologies, entertainment arts, app development, augmented reality, design and creativity and career preparation.

“We are so glad to see this system come to fruition as it will showcase the innovation that comes forth from HBCUs and grant us access to a global partnership that will only enhance the opportunities we are able to present to our students, faculty and community,” Anthony said.

Students will access the Propel Center online or by visiting the 50,000-square-foot headquarters at Atlanta University Center.

“The HBCU community is a tremendous engine of Black creativity, entrepreneurship and inclusive opportunity,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives, in the news release.

“We know inequities exist in our society, and it’s up to each of us to be more intentional in our efforts to make a difference and bridge the gap,” said Tom A. Fanning, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “We know more must be done, and the establishment of the Propel Center is another important demonstration of Southern Company fulfilling our commitment to move our communities to a more equitable future.”

“These investments are critical as we begin to truly scale Black innovation ecosystems,” said Anthony Oni, chairman, Ed Farm. “By leveraging technology and partnerships to connect students with unique learning opportunities, we can lift up the talent that already exists at these institutions of higher learning and accelerate their development.”