HU Receives $10,000 Grant to Help Fight Cancer

Hampton, VA - The Hampton University Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation was awarded a $10,000 grant by the American Cancer Society (ACS), South Atlantic Division. The department was selected to receive "The HBCU Project" Model College Demonstration Funds to help "mobilize the campus community to address cancer disparities by partnering with the American Cancer Society," according to the ACS.

"In order to put a dent in cancer you have to start with young people. [The ACS] recognizes the power of colleges in enhancing cancer research and community awareness," said Dr. Marilyn Wells, chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation.

Grant funds will be used over two years to implement several awareness and fundraising activities in the HU community. New honors seminars will be established and cancer survivor "Sip 'n' Chats" will be held. The department will host and promote Relay for Life on the HU campus and a Colleges Against Cancer chapter will be established this fall. Two student project assistants will also be selected each year of the project to take a leadership role in implementing grant-funded activities. Each project assistant will receive a $1000 stipend.

According to the ACS "The HBCU Project" was established to engage African-American young adults in all aspects of the ACS. By building and strengthening partnerships with the HBCU community, the ACS will make progress against health disparities and advance the war against cancer.