Tallahassee, Fla. — In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and his enduring call for
economic empowerment, Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been selected to join UNCF’s
innovative Project ACCLAIM (Accelerating Learning in Asset Investment Management), an initiative designed to expand pathways for students at historically Black colleges
and universities (HBCUs) into the asset management industry.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) has been selected to join UNCF’s innovative Project
ACCLAIM, an initiative designed to expand pathways for students at HBCUs into the
asset management industry..
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FAMU joins Morgan State University as the newest institutions added to Project ACCLAIM,
which launched in fall 2025 at Morehouse College and Howard University. The program
was made possible through a transformative $10 million gift from Adage Capital Management
and Elizabeth and Phill Gross to cultivate the next generation of financial leaders
and build wealth in underserved communities.
Dr. King believed Black economic empowerment was inseparable from civil advancement,
emphasizing education, fair employment, and access to capital as essential pillars
of freedom and dignity. Project ACCLAIM reflects that vision by equipping students
with the tools to lead and transform the financial sector.
“Florida A&M University was founded on the principle of creating opportunities where
none existed,” said FAMU President Marva Johnson, J.D. “Project ACCLAIM aligns with our mission to prepare students to lead in industries
that shape economic outcomes. This partnership will equip our students with real-world
skills, expand their professional networks, and empower them to create impact well
beyond the classroom.”
Project ACCLAIM provides HBCU students with a comprehensive undergraduate learning
experience in investment management through rigorous coursework, hands-on training,
and co-curricular activities. The program enhances finance and investing curricula,
fosters collaboration among faculty, and establishes a centralized, student-managed
investment pool.
“This is an exciting milestone for Project ACCLAIM and a special moment as we celebrate
Dr. King’s birthday and vision for economic empowerment,” said Shawn Thomas, Ph.D., director of Investment Leadership Programs and lead for Project ACCLAIM. “Florida
A&M University and Morgan State University are vital contributors to the HBCU community,
and their participation will further our mission to empower students and strengthen
their institutions.”
For students in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry, Project ACCLAIM represents
a meaningful bridge between theory and practice.
“Project ACCLAIM will provide me with hands-on experience in managing investments
while preparing me for a career in investment and asset management,” said Candace Harrison, a finance student in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry. “Being part of this
opportunity will have a meaningful impact on my education as an emerging finance student.
Zion Hackney, also a student in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry, said the program transforms
interest into action. “Project ACCLAIM is the catalyst that closes the gap between
interest to action-based results. As a student interested in the Financial Services
industry and investing, Project ACCLAIM creates the opportunity to learn, study, and
gain invaluable hands-on experience in the capital markets that reaches the curiosity
of students just like myself and more to come.”
Inger Daniels-Hollar, Ph.D., assistant professor in FAMU’s School of Business and Industry and Project ACCLAIM
program director at FAMU acknowledged members across the entire FAMUly—students, faculty,
President Johnson, administrators, and external partners—who helped bring the opportunity
to the institution.
“We’re all excited to work together to realize the potential of superlative tools
and resources in the hands of our eager and talented FAMU students. Participating
in Project ACCLAIM is a definitive Rattler Strike,” she said. “Our students will build
advanced investment skills, contribute to the asset management industry, spread the
word about investing to our community, and pay it forward to future Rattlers.”
The inclusion of Florida A&M University in Project ACCLAIM represents a significant
step forward in UNCF’s commitment to support HBCUs and increase opportunities for
students to achieve successful careers in the asset management industry.
Media Contact:
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu