FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
CONTACTS:
Sarah Johnson
202-521-2826
sarah@publiccharters.org
Joye Griffin
703-205-3480
joye.griffin@uncf.org
DR. MICHAEL L. LOMAX, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF UNCF ELECTED TO ALLIANCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Washington, D.C. - Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF--the United Negro College Fund-- has been elected to the board of directors of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools it was announced today. Dr. Lomax brings a long career of service to higher education and the public sector including seven years as president of Dillard University in New Orleans.
"Dr. Lomax has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to helping students gain access to a high-quality education. It is an honor to have him join our board," said Nelson Smith, Alliance President and CEO. "We welcome his expertise on education, politics and public service as we work to overcome the challenges facing our movement."
"UNCF is all about making sure that students get the college education they need and that the country needs them to have," Lomax said. "But in order to succeed in college, they need a rigorous academic education from preschool through high school. Charter schools are transforming K-12 education, especially for students underserved by our public education system. They are already working to close the racial and ethnic achievement gap in key communities like Chicago, Houston, New Haven, and New York City and Washington, D.C. I am honored to have this opportunity and look forward to helping the Alliance in its mission of increasing the number of high-performing charter schools in America."
UNCF is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. Today, 60 percent of students supported by UNCF scholarships are the first in their families to attend college; 62 percent are from families with an annual income of less than $25,000; and 93 percent qualify for financial aid. Additionally, UNCF internship programs allow students to gain work experience in a corporate environment, thus better preparing them for the demands of the workplace.
About the Alliance: The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (http://www.publiccharters.org/) is the national nonprofit organization committed to advancing the charter school movement. The Alliance works to increase the number of high performing charter schools available to all families, particularly low-income and minority families who currently do not have access to quality public schools. The Alliance provides assistance to state charter school associations and resource centers, develops and advocates for improved public policies, and serves as the united voice for this large and diverse movement. Over 1.5 million students attend more than 4,900 charter schools in 40 states and the District of Columbia.
About UNCF : UNCF--the United Negro College Fund--is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 39 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 18 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 900 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." Learn more at www.UNCF.org
