‘I Encourage All Students to Apply for Scholarships through UNCF’
Candace Weeden, a student at Tulane University, received the Slater-Millner Scholars Fund from UNCF. The scholarship significantly alleviated financial stress for Weeden, allowing her to focus on research rather than working to afford her education. “This shift has enabled me to concentrate on matriculating into an MD/Ph.D. program,” she said.
Weeden is majoring in neuroscience and cellular and molecular biology with a minor in psychology. Next, she plans to pursue an MD/Ph.D. program, “to combine my love of research and interest in medicine to ensure that research is solving clinical issues,” she said.
In partnership with UNCF, Dr. Nancy Slater and Dr. Alan Millner developed the scholarship to provide financial assistance to sophomores who are on a pre-med track with a demonstrated interest in serving underserved communities. The program, administered by UNCF, also offers mentorship and advising services through the Ascension Medical Educators – Aspiring Physicians Program. The Aspiring Physicians Program offers recipients monthly webinars focused on topics like professional identity, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) prep and one-on-one academic advising.
“The workshops have been my favorite part of my scholarship [experience], because they provide me with an opportunity to virtually engage with mock patients and learn about conditions, treatments and patient outcomes,” Weeden explained.
After graduation, she is interested in participating in study abroad programs and a graduate fellowship like the Marshall Scholarship, a prestigious award that covers the costs of Americans studying for a postgraduate degree in the United Kingdom. She also plans to study for the MCAT and apply to medical school.
“As a student at Tulane, my opportunities are endless because of the various partnerships within the city and the on-campus resources,” she said. With its emphasis on balance and the culture of New Orleans, Weeden knew Tulane University was the school for her. “As a college student, it may feel like I’m being pulled in multiple directions, which can be stressful, but the culture at Tulane encourages students to take breaks and enjoy this time of life.”
Her most memorable experience at Tulane is working as a peer success leader (PSL). “As a PSL, I have had the opportunity to speak at various freshman seminars about the dimensions of wellness and balancing college activities, interview prospective PSLs and conduct workshops on the importance of prioritizing one’s wellbeing,” Weeden shared. “This experience has been enlightening because I have met and worked with students from all walks of life and have seen that, though we are all different, we share a common goal of wanting to improve ourselves.”
Her advice for students entering college? “I encourage all students to apply for scholarships through UNCF,” Weeden shared. “I am forever thankful for UNCF and the Slater-Millner Scholarship, as it has helped me greatly with accomplishing my collegiate goals.”
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 Candace Weeden in their academic endeavors.