The ELETE Experience, Inc. (ELETE) is working with Village Juice & Kitchen (VJK), The United Negro College Fund UNCF), The Chris Paul Foundation, and other nationally recognized partners to increase healthy dining and entrepreneurial mentorship opportunities on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

Chris Paul, a 12-time NBA All-Star and HBCU graduate, is proud to lend his support and that of his family foundation to the local cause, stating, “as a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, I am excited to support ELETE and the opening of the VJK location on campus that will offer a healthier, plant-based menu. ELETE’s unique student mentorship program will inspire entrepreneurship opportunities in emerging sectors. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

UNCF has committed scholarships to the program and corporate partners are assisting to provide additional financial and professional support. Nathan Atkinson, who is currently serving as ELETE’s Interim Director, said that “we are excited to be on-campus at Winston-Salem State University with our pilot program.” Atkinson explains that “students will serve as student executive officers (SEOs), receiving pay, cash stipends, academic credit, and scholarship assistance, while learning business skills, participating in workshops, and learning from professionals in their related fields. Upon successfully completing the Program, students are guaranteed employment with either VJK or one of our supporting corporate partners.”

Dr. Notis Pagiavlas shares the excitement, saying “as the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation at Winston-Salem State University, I am thrilled to collaborate in the Program’s design and to contribute supplemental funding for the ELETE Program on-campus. This unique educational experience provides our aspiring entrepreneurial students a great opportunity to acquire hands-on skills prior to graduating.”

ELETE creates connections between HBCU students, industry experts, and renowned leaders in each student’s area of interest, focusing on creating genuine and meaningful student experiences. VJK and ELETE share the goal of ensuring that underrepresented and underserved communities can access highly nutritious food on campus while opening doors for students to gain exposure to innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Manju Bhat, Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education at Winston-Salem State Universityshares that “it takes a lot of creativity and passion to reach today’s students. We are always looking for opportunities to inspire them, and we believe the ELETE Program has the potential to create genuine, life-changing opportunities for the right students. We are excited to have VJK on campus and for Winston-Salem State University to serve as the inaugural campus for the Program.”

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