McMina Clermont, a first-generation college student from Boston, MA, was recently awarded a CVS Health Foundation Health Care Scholarship, administered by UNCF. Clermont is a junior studying biology and health science at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, a public HBCU in PA.

The CVS Health Foundation Health Care Scholarship is awarded to Black and Latino students pursuing academic careers in health care. The two-year scholarship supports students in their junior and senior years as they complete their studies and strengthens the health care talent pipeline.

Clermont explained that, without UNCF’s support, she would have to work longer hours to cover tuition. “I worked three jobs, actively participated in four to five clubs and was a full-time student,” she said. “The scholarship gave me room to invest more time into my pre-med courses, research and service projects, all of which are preparing me for a career in medicine.” Now, she’s able to continue focusing on her studies and explore opportunities in medicine through leadership roles in campus organizations.

During her undergraduate studies, Clermont has held numerous leadership roles on campus that align with her values, including serving as the president of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students (MAPS) and the student liaison for the career success and experiential learning department. She credits UNCF programming for enhancing her confidence as she connects with health professionals and advocates for opportunities for her peers.

She applies the techniques she learned through UNCF programming in her leadership roles on campus. “Being a UNCF scholar reinforces the importance of representation, resilience and service,” she said. “That perspective shapes how I lead MAPS—supporting other pre-med students, organizing events and building networks.”

As Clermont reflects on her most memorable experience at LU, she recalls the impact of attending meetings with the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) and MAPS during her first semester on campus. At these events, she interacted with attendees of the SNMA conference at Drexel University, which sparked her interest in practicing medicine abroad.

After graduation, Clermont plans to attend medical school to become a doctor of osteopathic medicine. She is interested in practicing holistic medicine abroad and working in disaster relief and global health response.

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 McMina Clermont in their academic endeavors.

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