Ford also sponsors Historically Black Colleges and Universities Community Challenge in collaboration with Tom Joyner Foundation. The challenge has awarded $300,000 in scholarships and community grants to winning students and teams to implement community projects. Ford Motor Company's support of the African American community dates back to the early 20th century when the automaker was the largest employer of African Americans in the industry. Ford is building on that century-long support with other signature initiatives that include: Last month, Ford Fund launched a national program aimed at African American men, Men of Courage. The program was created to help improve the perception of African American men in society by providing a forum where a diverse group of men take action to provide social and financial capital for projects honoring black men. CMen of Courage calls on black men to share stories and solutions for building their communities.