Despite the rapid growth of STEM jobs, Black professionals remain underrepresented, making up only 9% of the STEM workforce, according to PepsiCo.
PepsiCo’s Taste of Tomorrow initiative is designed to increase Black representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers. The initiative is a part of PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation’s efforts to “create flavorful futures for HBCU students through the advancement of STEM education and culinary innovation” launched on August 28, 2024.
Kirstie Turner, Senior Director of Brand & Community Engagement, Multicultural Development at PepsiCo, further stated that “to help address this disparity, PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation are investing $350,000 in financial support and providing additional resources to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), particularly for students pursuing careers in food science and technology.”
PepsiCo chose to financially commit to help HBCU students who are STEM and food science career majors. Additionally, according to Turner, food science is especially important to PepsiCo as a leading innovator in food and beverage.
She added, “Supporting culinary talent from HBCUs is essential for fostering diversity in the food industry, and in roles that impact the future of the industry. It enables us to include and champion underrepresented voices and celebrate the rich cultural heritage they bring to food science and culinary innovation. PepsiCo brands, including Pepsi Zero Sugar and Doritos, are engaging students and fans on-campus, at homecoming tailgate events and SWAC Classics, bringing on-the-ground culinary innovation experiences created by in-house food science experts to inspire at-home food innovation and pairing and show the possibilities of opportunities at PepsiCo.
The PepsiCo Foundation is providing $250,000 in scholarships to HBCU students pursuing STEM degrees across nine HBCUs for the 2025 school year. They include: Benedict College, located in Columbia, South Carolina; Bethune Cookman University, located in Daytona Beach, Florida; Florida A&M University, located in Tallahassee, Florida; Hampton University, located in Hampton, Virginia; Howard University, located in Washington, DC; Jackson State University, located in Jackson, Mississippi; North Carolina Central University, located in Durham, North Carolina; Prairie View A&M University, located in Prairie View, Texas; and Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, Maryland.
“If selected as a recipient, the student will receive a $12,500 award,” Turner stated.
Additionally, PepsiCo is honoring and supporting Florida A&M University and Prairie View A&M University by providing $100,000 for STEM resources. The goal is to enhance their programs and foster innovation for long-term advancement of their programs and bring an R&D educational workshop series to their campuses for further access. Workshops will be held in November of 2024. According to Turner, PepsiCo’s support is intended to strengthen what the two HBCU partners are already doing.
This year, PepsiCo is providing HBCU students with chances to dive deep into the science behind their favorite foods; participate in hands-on culinary workshops; and get up close and personal with industry leaders who shape the future of food. These students who are interested in or currently enrolled in STEM programs, can learn more about the Taste of Tomorrow scholarship through attendance. The scholarship is intended to assist sophomores and juniors who are pursuing careers in STEM.
Aleto King Marshall, 18, recently attended PepsiCo’s “Taste of Tomorrow” in Baltimore, Maryland in October. He said that he enjoyed the experience. The Morgan student is originally from Towson, Maryland and began studying at Morgan State University in the fall of 2024. His STEM passion began as a child.
“I always like the thought of being a scientist. Later in life, that dream grew into wanting to help reverse the effects of global warming, he said.
The college student currently aspires to become a chemical engineer. He represents PepsiCo’s target audience. Turner also noted that PepsiCo’s “Taste of Tomorrow” campaign is not just a one-time event, but part of a sustained effort to create a long-term impact within the Black community.
“By continuously investing in HBCUs and their students, PepsiCo aims to cultivate a pipeline of Black talent that will drive innovation and leadership in various industries,” she said. “This campaign is a strategic move to ensure that the next generation of Black leaders is well-equipped with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to succeed. Through ongoing partnerships, mentorship programs, and resource allocation, PepsiCo is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of these students and, by extension, the broader Black community.”
Learn more about “Taste of Tomorrow” and program eligibility by visiting: https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/tasteoftomorrow. Applicants will be notified in February. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is December 2, 2024, 3:00 p.m., central time.