Desmond Washington, a senior English major at Jackson State Univesity, is grateful for his experiences as part of the Cricket Wireless HBCU Campus Ambassador Program, or CAP.
Washington talked to rolling out about how Cricket’s CAP provided exposure, networking opportunities and business insights that he plans to use in his burgeoning hairstyling business, as well as his plans to go into public relations after graduation.
“I became a part of the Cricket Campus Ambassador Program to basically show others that we have companies out there that are always pouring resources into our college community and into Black students,” Washington said.
The Cricket CAP program was established to inspire the next generation of Black leaders while connecting them with their passions.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to create positive impacts not just in the Black community, but in our society as a whole, and we’re proud to support and help amplify their incredible legacies,” the company stated on its website.
Cricket was the title sponsor of both the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-off and the Cricket Celebration Bowl, which celebrates the heritage, legacy, pageantry and tradition of historically Black colleges and universities as well as delight in the games on the gridiron.
When Washington graduates in May 2025, he said he is planning to go into public relations.
“I do use my experiences with different campus organizations,” he said. “As an English major, I’m basically telling the stories of different organizations. And I transfer that to my hair business and tell the story of like a young guy from Mississippi who is using his talents to succeed.”
Washington implores other talented and ambitious students to become a part of the Cricket CAP program.
“You can’t just say no to these opportunities. I feel like Cricket has helped me grow as a professional and as a young adult, and I feel like more college students, especially black college students, that attend HBCUs, should get this experience and grow their network,” he stated.
