HBCU Male Nursing Students Shine in Viral Video, Showcasing Transformative $339K Grant
Nursing has long been a profession dominated by women, with men accounting for only about 10% of the workforce. However, the field is slowly becoming more diverse, thanks to initiatives like the American Nurses Foundation’s recent grant to support male nurses of color.
In April 2024, the American Nurses Foundation awarded a $339,000 grant to Southern University and A&M College, a historically Black institution of higher learning (HBCU) in Louisiana. This grant is part of the “Diversify Nursing Research through Support of Minority Institutions” program, which aims to increase the number of ethnic minority nurse researchers and broaden the diversity of research topics and perspectives.
Southern University and A&M College is the largest producer of African American nurses in Louisiana, making it an ideal recipient for this grant. The funding will support educational programs, particularly for male nursing students of color, who are underrepresented in the field.
The impact of the $339,000 American Nurses Foundation grant has already been felt, with Southern University male nursing students sharing a viral video on social media showcasing the positive impact of the award and telling viewers why they decided to pursue nursing. The video, which has been widely shared, celebrates the students’ achievements and highlights the importance of diversity in nursing.
Addressing Racial and Gender Disparities
The grant is a direct response to insights from the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing, which recognized the need to promote equity and address disparities in the nursing profession. By supporting male nurses of color, the Foundation is taking a proactive step toward creating a more diverse and inclusive nursing workforce.
In addition to supporting educational programs, the grant will fund meaningful research led by diverse nurses. This research has the potential to advance the nursing profession and promote equity by exploring topics and perspectives that may have been overlooked or underrepresented in the past.
The grant from the American Nurses Foundation is not the only milestone for Southern University’s nursing program. In 2023, the university made history by graduating the largest class of Black male nurses in its nursing program. This achievement highlights the university’s commitment to diversity and its role in addressing racial and gender disparities in nursing.
As the nursing profession continues to evolve, initiatives like the American Nurses Foundation’s grant will play a crucial role in shaping a more diverse and inclusive workforce. By supporting male nurses of color and promoting meaningful research, the Foundation is paving the way for a future where nursing better reflects the diversity of the communities it serves.
