A stranger’s act of kindness marked the beginning of Daniel Parris’ college journey. This set the tone for Parris, who continued to gain access to advancement opportunities due to the generosity of UNCF donors.

While applying to colleges, Parris wrote a list of things he wanted for his life. Reflecting on that time, Parris recalls, “I was a high school senior who didn’t know where I was headed, hadn’t even heard of Coppin State University and had no idea how paying for college was going to work out for me. But on that list, I wrote one specific thing: I wanted to graduate college debt-free. I prayed and let faith take control.”

Initially, this desire seemed unlikely to come true. Parris was informed that Coppin State University would not provide sufficient financial aid to cover his tuition. This left him uncertain about whether he would be able to attend the university. However, a few months later, Parris received a letter stating that he’d received Coppin State University’s Presidential Scholarship.

Parris had made a positive impression on a campus adviser who was visiting his high school. The adviser returned to Coppin State University and championed Parris for opportunities, resulting in him earning the scholarship. “[The adviser] didn’t know that graduating debt-free was something that I prayed for, but something was laid on his heart to go and advocate for me,” Parris said.

Parris will graduate in May with a degree in applied psychology—completely debt-free. UNCF offers donors the opportunity to have a similar impact on the lives of young people by supporting UNCF scholarships and programs for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Many students lack access to professional and personal development opportunities. But thanks to UNCF donors, Parris had a different experience. The Washington, D.C. native was selected to participate in UNCF’s K-12 Education Fellowship, which is awarded to juniors enrolled at an HBCU who have demonstrated leadership experience and community service during their time in college. Through the program, Parris spent a summer in Philadelphia, PA, working with the Center for Black Educator Development. This experience expanded Parris’ perspective. “I enjoyed being in Philly and working with different people, seeing how they teach and how the students responded,” he shared. “I would think to myself, ‘what can I pull from this to be a better educator?’” Through the fellowship, Parris also attended professional conferences, participated in an education reform case competition, and was selected to be a student representative of UNCF on campus.

Parris was chosen to be a UNCF Student Ambassador for the 2025-2026 school year. As a student ambassador, he mentors other students, answering their questions and sharing opportunities with them. Because of his prowess, he was chosen to be a speaker at the upcoming UNCF Baltimore Masked Ball. Parris is looking forward to continuing his endeavor of embodying excellence. “Every day, I wake up able to represent the name of UNCF well, representing my school well, so I am proud to carry that flag and show what Coppin State University can produce,” he said.

After graduation, Parris plans to continue his education and attain an advanced degree. He would like to focus on either working directly with students in schools, opening his own medical practice or shaping policy and curriculum.

Parris’ journey reminds us of the profound impact one person can have on the life of a young person. Each gift donated to UNCF helps to relieve financial stress and provide access to life-changing opportunities. In the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia alone, more than $1 million in scholarships have been awarded to over 200 students between the 2023 and 2024 academic years.

Parris has a message for UNCF’s donors: “I believe that we have the ability to be answers to other people’s prayers, whether we know it or not. Someone advocated on my behalf, and they didn’t know what my needs were and may never see me ever again.”

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 Brianna Lewis in their academic endeavors.

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