HBCUs like Oakwood University Pave the Way for Student Success

Cayden Pyfrom, a junior at Oakwood University (OU), a UNCF-member institution, received the Foot Locker Foundation Scholarship from UNCF for the 2023-2024 school year. “I’m thankful for the Foot Locker Foundation for providing scholarship funds so that students like me can focus more on their academics without having to stress about how they were going to afford a college education,” Pyfrom said. “I will forever be grateful for their trust and investment in me. I’m thankful to the Foot Locker Foundation for providing scholarship funds so that students like me can focus more on their academics without having to stress about how they were going to afford a college education. I will forever be grateful for their trust and investment in me.”

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc., partnered with UNCF to fund this scholarship program for students attending a UNCF-member institution. The foundation works to improve upward mobility and build a more equitable and inclusive future through education, economic development and community empowerment.

“As a high school student, I always expected my parents to pay for my education; but when I realized how much attending college was going to cost, I took it upon myself to try and help out,” Pyfrom explained. “The application process was easy, and it was rewarding to know that my academics, community service and future goals all aligned with the Foot Locker Foundation. This scholarship has not only alleviated my financial stress but has allowed me the opportunity to focus 100% of my time towards finishing strong.”

Pyfrom was drawn to OU for a variety of reasons. He had attended Oakwood Adventist Academy, which enabled him to take dual enrollment classes and shave off a year of college. Another factor was the community created by OU, many of Pyfrom’s friends from high school attended and his family still resides in the area.

OU’s dual degree program for a bachelor’s of science in applied mathematics and a master’s of science in engineering is another reason Pyfrom was interested in OU. As a freshman, Pyfrom was set on pursuing mechanical engineering. But since starting his studies, he has been introduced to a variety of fields of study. He is now majoring in computer science/engineering and hopes to work in cyber security.

“What I love most about being a student at Oakwood University is that it is an HBCU and with it comes the ability to meet so many new people,” Pyfrom shared. “My teachers care about my academics, my dean cares about my mental health and I’ve been provided with the tools and resources to be successful. Living on campus and having to navigate my time, resources and classwork have all been experiences that I wouldn’t trade.”

UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Cayden Pyfrom in their academic endeavors.