The Forward Foundation is proud to award The Pay It Forward Grant to the Aerospace Engineering Department at Tuskegee University on behalf of Black American Engineering Scholarship Award mentor Jacques Smith.
Pay It Forward Grant: Tuskegee University Aerospace Science Engineering Department
Smith donates his time and talent as a mentor to The Forward Foundation’s Black American Engineering Scholarship Award.. This initiative not only provides scholarships to students but also pairs them with professional mentors who guide and support them throughout their rigorous academic journeys. Smith’s generous support has allowed the BAESA to diversify and revolutionize the engineering field for the past three years.
As a thank you to program mentors, the Forward Foundation created the Pay It Forward Mentorship Grant. Mentors can direct this $2,500 grant to public charities or educational institutions of their choosing.
Smith generously directed $1,000 to the Tuskegee University Aerospace Science Engineering Department, a program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of innovators in aviation, space exploration, and advanced engineering. Tuskegee University, a historically Black university and leader in STEM education, continues to play a vital role in preparing diverse students to excel in highly competitive fields while honoring its legacy of excellence and service.
The Aerospace Science Engineering Department is committed to advancing knowledge, research, and opportunities for students pursuing careers in aerospace engineering. Through hands-on projects, mentorship, and rigorous academics, the department equips students with the skills and confidence to break barriers and lead in industries that shape the future of technology and exploration.
In addition to his support of Tuskegee University, Smith has directed $1250 to the Tri-County HBCU Alliance, which serves as a bridge between students and the resources available at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Smith has also allocated $250 to the Fort Mill Care Center, which provides essential aid with food, utilities, and prescriptions to families in Fort Mill and Tega Cay, South Carolina.
Through his generosity, Smith demonstrates a deep commitment to education, community advancement, and the empowerment of future leaders.
