White House Initiative selects King as 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar

June 20, 2019
Jasmine King, a native of Vicksburg, has been selected as the 2019 Competitiveness Scholar for the White House Initiative for JSU. (Photo by Spencer McClenty/JSU)
Jasmine King, a native of Vicksburg, has been selected as the 2019 Competitiveness Scholar for the White House Initiative for JSU. (Photo by Spencer McClenty/JSU)

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LATOYA BYLINE

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Jackson State student Jasmine King has been chosen as a 2019 competitiveness scholar for the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCU). Scholars were selected for the program after a rigorous nomination process based on a unique combination of academic achievements, campus and civic engagement, recommendation and entrepreneurial ethos.  [hr]

Jasmine King says, "While at the conference, I hope to gain a stronger understanding of the multitude of opportunities available for students at HBCUs. I am a firm believer that HBCU students are in high demand because our schools prepare us for careers in a way that surpasses that of other institutions."
Jasmine King says, “While at the conference, I hope to gain a stronger understanding of the multitude of opportunities available for students at HBCUs. I am a firm believer that HBCU students are in high demand because our schools prepare us for careers in a way that surpasses that of other institutions.”

“I was in shock. My reaction was mainly a result of all the hard work that I poured into the application process, along with the assistance of Dr. Bynum and his administration,” says King. “I understand that my selection for the program is not just a win for me, but a win for Jackson State as well.”

When asked what she plans to acquire while in D.C., King replied, “I hope to gain a multitude of opportunities that I can share with my peers in regards to building relationships within governmental agencies through internships and professional development. I am also anxious to meet this year’s WHIHBCU cohort because I want to share ideas focused on uplifting our communities.”

The WHIHBCU will provide outreach and engagement opportunities for King as well as information and resources to disseminate among her peers. She will also participate in regional events, webinars and monthly web chats with the WHIHBCU staff.

King shared words of advice for others aspiring to be a competitiveness scholar. “Anyone with a strong desire to represent THEE Jackson State University on a major level should push themselves as high as possible and definitely build a support system that is focused on their growth and success. The first and most important step is to believe in yourself.”

All WHIHBCU scholars will have a chance to engage with other honorees to showcase individual and collective talents across the HBCU spectrum. King will attend the 2019 National HBCU Week Conference in Washington, D.C. in early September.