Claflin University News November 14, 2017 CLAFLIN UNIVERSITY HELPS TO MAKE ORANGEBURG STRONG BY GENERATING $79 MILLION IN TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT New UNCF Study Confirms that Claflin University Contributes to Local and Regional Economies Claflin University is an important economic engine in its community, generating substantial economic returns year after year, and a new landmark study commissioned by UNCF (United Negro College Fund) confirms it. HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities<http://www.uncf.org/HBCUsMakeAmericaStrong> documents the significant economic contributions of Claflin University and the nation's network of HBCUs by quantifying their impact on the economy, employment and increased earning power of their students. The study was underwritten by Citi Foundation and the economic estimates were prepared by the University of Georgia's Selig Center for Economic Growth. Key findings of the study are below: * Claflin University generates $79 million in total economic impact. * Claflin University generates 835 jobs for their local and regional economies * The 2014 graduates of Claflin University can expect to earn $1 billion over their lifetimes, 70 percent more than they could expect to earn without a college credential. o For example: Quentin Rodriquez, '14, is employed with the Department of Health and Human Services (Columbia, S.C.) as a human services specialist. Rodriquez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Claflin University in criminal justice. The presence of Claflin University in this area means a $79 million boost to the area's economic activity, on-campus, off-campus, and well beyond the campus, contributing to stronger growth and stronger communities. This study makes clear that while benefits flow to Claflin University graduates who enter the workforce with sharper skills and vastly enhanced earning prospects, these benefits also flow to the local and regional economies connected to Claflin University. "HBCUs like Claflin University are vibrant institutions that play a critical role in the economic development of our respective communities. I applaud UNCF for its extensive research which attempts to quantify the contributions of HBCUs -- not only in knowledge creation and research - but in workforce development, increasing employment opportunities and providing substantial revenue to the region. We also believe that UNCF's Career Pathway Initiative (CPI) is a game changer for our institutions. The goals of the grant are consistent with our mission of preparing graduates for the 21st Century workforce," said Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, president of Claflin University. "This new report changes the narrative and demonstrates that HBCUs, like Claflin University are feeding the community's need for an college-educated workforce and driving economic growth," said UNCF's President and CEO Dr. Michael Lomax. "These institutions have led the way in developing and polishing the practices necessary to get underprepared, first-generation students ready for college, but they also help fill critical jobs with college-educated workers in the community." HBCUs have long been bastions of academic achievement. It is clear to see, however, that the value of Claflin University is not solely confined to educational impacts. HBCUs Make America Strong: The Positive Economic Impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities<http://www.uncf.org/HBCUsMakeAmericaStrong> demonstrates that Claflin University matters not only to its students, but also to the local, regional and national economies. Please visit UNCF.org/HBCUsMakeAmericaStrong<http://www.uncf.org/HBCUsMakeAmericaStrong> to access the full report. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/