Ford Motor Company has announced the start of its third annual ‘HBC-You Mobility Challenge grant

Applications for the Ford Motor Company’s third annual HBC-YOU Mobility Challenge grant are ongoing.

The competition was specially designed for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students who have witty and innovative ideas that need to be funded. Ford is calling on HBCU students alumni, faculty and staff to begin submitting their proposals on smart mobility and stand a chance to win up to $25,000 in grants.

“Ford wants all students to succeed in their academic efforts. Empowering students and providing resources and tools for success is a key area focus in the Ford Fund’s HBCU Strategy,” Ford wrote on its website.

All proposals must be created around the theme: Making Lives Better: Changing the Way We Move Through Smart Mobility. One of last year’s winners, Morgan State University won $25,000 in grants for its proposal of upgrading the school’s food resource center. It connected students to resources and dietary advice through the school’s Freshly (Food Resources & Expand Shuttle for Healthy Living Year-round) Program.

Another winner, Talladega College received $10,000 in last year’s edition, for its partnership with the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Dumb. Through the partnership, the college improved sidewalks with truncated domes to help disabled people know when they have reached the end of a sidewalk.

“Ford recognizes the legacy of success and the tremendous role that HBCUs serve in educating our future generation. Today. HBCUs are educating our future engineers, doctors, teachers, and community leaders.” Ford said on its website. “Ford is committed to supporting and being a part of this effort. Ford Fund’s approach to supporting HBCUs is three-pronged and focuses on success, scholarship, and sustainability.”

The competition was created in 2019 to encourage the HBCU community to create innovative and sustainable solutions that improve the lives of individuals in their communities. Since the inception of the HBC-You Mobility Challenge, Ford has given more than $60,000 in grants to HBCUs.

The first-place winner of this year’s challenge will receive a one-time grant of $25,000, and the runner-up will receive $10,000 for their school for the implementation of the project.

Applications are ongoing here. The deadline to submit is March 31, 2021.