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Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Awarded $20,000 PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2024

 

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Awarded $20,000 PA Hunger-Free Campus Grant

CHEYNEY, PA – Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education under the 2024-2025 PA Hunger-Free Campus program. This funding supports the University’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all students have reliable access to nutritious meals, fostering an environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

The PA Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, endorsed by Pennsylvania First Lady Lori Shapiro, focuses on reducing hunger and addressing students’ basic needs by building coalitions among colleges and universities. Through this grant, Cheyney University will enhance its existing support structures, develop targeted hunger-prevention strategies, and strengthen resources that help mitigate food insecurity on campus.

“We are grateful for this generous support,” said Aaron A. Walton, President Cheyney University. “This grant will allow us to expand and improve our student-focused initiatives, ensuring that every member of our campus community has the sustenance they need to focus on their education and personal growth.”

The grant’s performance period runs from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. Throughout this period, Cheyney University will implement initiatives to empower students, build a stronger network of support, and create a lasting impact on the well-being of its community.

About Cheyney University of Pennsylvania:
Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is America’s oldest historically Black college and university (HBCU). The university is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their full potential through innovative programs and a supportive campus environment. Learn more at www.cheyney.edu.

For more information about the PA Hunger-Free Campus grant and Cheyney University’s efforts to address food insecurity, please contact:

Shawn Gauthney, Sr. Director of marketing and Communications
sgauthney@cheyney.edu, (610) 399-2060

It’s On Us PA Grant Program

For Immediate Release
January 8, 2025

Cheyney University Awarded Grant to Strengthen Campus Safety

 

CHEYNEY, PA — Cheyney University is excited to announce it has been awarded funding through Governor Josh Shapiro’s It’s On Us PA Grant Program. As part of this year’s campaign, Cheyney University is proud to launch “CU- Consent Understood,” a program designed to promote awareness and education around consent and campus safety. This statewide initiative, which has invested over $1.6 million, focuses on preventing campus sexual assault and creating safer learning environments across Pennsylvania.

Cheyney’s share of this funding will allow the university to continue its work in raising awareness, providing support, and ensuring every student feels safe and valued on campus.

“This grant reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, welcoming environment for all members of the Cheyney family,” said Aaron A. Walton, President of Cheyney University. “We’re proud to be part of this important statewide effort and grateful for the resources to expand our programs and services.”

“Joining the “It’s On Us” Campaign and being the recipient of a 2024/2025 “It’s On Us” Grant will provide Cheyney University with the opportunity to develop partnerships that include students, faculty, staff, and local organizations. These partnerships, along with data and analysis practices, will allow Cheyney to continue targeting its Title IX programming efforts in ways that are pertinent to student needs regarding sexual harassment and sexual misconduct. We look forward to continuing to build on our efforts and addressing the negative effects of Title IX sexual harassment in order to enhance student success at Cheyney University.”  As stated by Dr. Lakiyah Chambers, Director of Employee & Labor Relations, DEI, and Compliance and Interim Title IX Coordinator

Through the “CU- Consent Understood” campaign, the funding will help Cheyney:

  • Provide Education: Expand training for students and staff on topics like consent and bystander intervention.
  • Enhance Support: Strengthen resources for survivors and improve campus policies.
  • Build Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations to support prevention and awareness initiatives.

Cheyney University remains dedicated to fostering a community where everyone can grow, learn, and succeed without fear. This grant is another step in that direction, ensuring students are supported in every way possible.

We thank Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Education for their leadership in advancing this critical work.

About Cheyney University:
Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is America’s oldest historically Black college and university (HBCU). The university is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their full potential through innovative programs and a supportive campus environment. Learn more at www.cheyney.edu.

Contact Us:
610-339-2080 or sgauthney@cheyney.edy

Cheyney HRTM Achieves Reaccreditation

Cheyney University’s Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management Program Achieves Reaccreditation by ACPHA

Cheyney, PA – March 11th 2024 – Cheyney University is proud to announce that its Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) Program has been successfully reaccredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA), affirming the program’s commitment to the highest educational standards in preparing students for their future careers in the hospitality industry.

This reaccreditation recognizes the HRTM Program’s excellence in curriculum, faculty, resources, and student support services. The comprehensive review process conducted by ACPHA ensures that accredited programs meet or exceed the industry standards that are essential for preparing students for roles in hospitality management.

“Receiving reaccreditation from ACPHA is a significant achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Krystal Peters, Program Coordinator of the HRTM Program at Cheyney University. “This accomplishment underscores our program’s quality and our commitment to providing an exceptional education that equips our graduates for successful careers in the dynamic field of hospitality.”

The HRTM Program at Cheyney University offers a rigorous curriculum designed to provide students with a strong foundation in hospitality management principles, practical experience through internships, and opportunities for professional development. The program’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and leadership prepares students to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality and tourism industry.

Cheyney University extends its gratitude to the advisory board, alumni, and industry partners for their continuous support and contributions to the program’s success. The university remains dedicated to enhancing its academic offerings and sustaining a learning environment that fosters the personal and professional growth of its students.

For more information about the HRTM Program at Cheyney University, please visit https://cheyney.edu/academics/special-programs/hotel-restaurant-and-tourism-management/ .

About the Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management Program The Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM) Program, chartered in 1975, prepares confident, competent, and reflective leaders by providing students with a cutting-edge experiential education that boosts their industry knowledge, hones their decision-making and critical thinking skills, and prepares them for entry-level managerial success. The hospitality industry is among the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world, and hospitality careers are plentiful and varied as they encompass the sub-sectors of hotels and lodging, food and beverage, travel and tourism, recreation and leisure, and meetings and events.

Cheyney University Awarded Nearly $500,000 in Critical Sector Job Quality Grant

(CHEYNEY, PA – October 10, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded Cheyney University $495,878 under the Critical Sectors Job Quality Grants Program, which will be used to establish a Winery Management certification in collaboration with Chaddsford Winery’s Vice President and General Manager, and the members of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Cheyney is one of seven institutions awarded this grant.

The grant funds will facilitate the development and enhancement of educational initiatives aligned with the Biden-Harris Administration’s priorities. Cheyney’s award is a component of the $16 million comprehensive initiative launched to improve job quality and expand access to high-quality employment in critical sectors such as care, climate resilience, and hospitality.

Ms. Vanessa Atkins, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships and Career Pathways at Cheyney University, played a pivotal role in securing this grant. In response to this achievement, she shared her enthusiasm, stating, “We are overjoyed to have been recognized as a Critical Sector Job Quality award recipient. This money will allow us to expand our educational offerings and provide our students with the skills they need to flourish in critical industries like care, climate resilience, and hospitality.”

The grant will provide career advancement opportunities for those currently working in the industry, a micro-credential for those training to enter the industry, and re-skilling for displaced workers seeking to enter the field at the management level. Those who complete the certificate and decide to return to Cheyney for a degree in HRTM will also be provided with a formula for earning credit towards a degree in the HRTM program as determined by the HRTM faculty.

Corey Krejcik, Vice President and General Manager of Chaddsford Winery notes, “No industry fully encapsulates a 360-degree view of hospitality, manufacturing, and agritourism quite like the wine industry. As a business leader in this sector, Chaddsford Winery is thrilled to collaborate on this trailblazing initiative with Cheyney University. It reinforces our long-term commitment to elevating the credibility, representation and economic impact that local wine production has on the Brandywine Valley and its surrounding areas.”

This award exemplifies the university’s dedication to ensuring that its students are prepared to achieve success in industries that lack representation and where workers are in demand. This further affirms Cheyney’s role as a catalyst for workforce development and economic growth.

Brent Parton, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, emphasized the significance of the Critical Sector Job Quality grants, saying, “The Critical Sectors Job Quality grants will enable recipients to create and expand partnerships to develop training programs to provide the workforce needed in high-demand industries.” Cheyney University is committed to fulfilling this vision by collaborating with industry partners to bridge the skills gap and drive innovation in these critical sectors.

Cheyney University extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Biden-Harris Administration for their generous support through the Critical Sector Job Quality grant and looks forward to working closely with industry partners and the community to achieve its goals. “Cheyney University is committed to supporting student achievement and meeting the changing needs of the labor market,” stated Atkins. “We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for their continuous support and acknowledgement of our purpose.”

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About Cheyney University: 

Founded in 1837, Cheyney University is the nation’s oldest historically Black institution of higher education. Located in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, the university is dedicated to providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students for leadership and success in a diverse world. Cheyney University offers a wide range of academic programs, emphasizing the importance of excellence, community engagement, and career readiness. For more information, visit www.Cheyney.edu