The United Negro College Fund​ (UNCF) has a commitment to helping minority students get to and through college!​

Often, the difference between a minority student graduating and dropping out of college is $1,000-$5,000? In the grand scheme of things this is a relatively small amount that is the difference between a life of success and one of struggle. Every $5,000 scholarship UNCF awards a student increases his or her likelihood of graduating by 8%.

As their motto states: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in!”

In today’s political and cultural climate it has become more important than ever to support education and minority students. Founded in 1944 UNCF, the United Negro College Fund, has raised $4.5 billion in private funds and helped 430,000+ students graduate from college; UNCF has distributed more scholarships to minority scholars than any entity outside of the Federal Government!

And there are some UNCF Alumni names you might recognize, from the incomparable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and U.S. Representative John Lewis (GA) to Lionel Richie and Samuel L. Jackson, the impact of UNCF runs deep within America. Additional UNCF supporters include: Usher, Tyrese, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Future, Chris Tucker, to name a few.

Below are some of the current students

Next on the horizon for UNCF is their annual Mayor’s Masked Ball which will take place in various cities around the U.S. on the same night, March 18th. The Los Angeles chapter will be honoring Lonnie G. Bunch, III, Founding Director: Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture andMarx Casenave, Entrepreneur. (Invitation with additional details attached)

Quick Stats:
– $100 million+ In scholarships awarded to students by UNCF every year
– 10,000

Scholarships awarded to students via 400 UNCF scholarship programs
​- 8,000+ Students graduate annually from UNCF-member colleges and universities
– 86%

Of every dollar raised goes to student support and scholarships
– 60% of UNCF Students are 1st to attend college or university in their family
– 59% come from families with income less than $25k
– Roughly 60% come from single-parent households

Rashaun Williams is a founding partner of QBVP, QueensBridge Venture Partners, the venture capital firm made famous by the hip-hop legend Nas.

​.​