‘Every Scholarship Reminds Me I’m Not Doing This Alone’

Zyaisah McCoy of St. Paul, MN, was a recipient of the 3M Science. Applied to Life.™ Scholarship program, administered by UNCF. McCoy, a junior at UNCF-member institution Xavier University of Louisiana, is pursuing a degree in pre-med, majoring in biology and chemistry and minoring in Spanish.

The 3M Scholarship is renewable and supports high school seniors attending Saint Paul Public Schools or charter schools and first-year college students interested in STEM-related majors at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Without this scholarship, McCoy said she would have attended an in-state school without a strong STEM program. “[The scholarship] allowed me to build connections with students who are also STEM majors,” she said. “The 3M Scholarship has an annual event where [students] get a tour of the building and can meet and ask questions to a panel of people who work there.”

Beyond financial assistance, the 3M Scholarship program provides students with wrap-around services, including additional emergency student aid, a college success coach, leadership training and an online learning community. “It has made me more confident and opened doors for me,” McCoy said. “It showed me that people are genuinely here to see me succeed. There are people who are very supportive of what I’m doing.”

Xavier University is known as one of the top HBCUs for students interested in STEM programs. “Something that drew me to the school was the STEM program and the fact that they produce the most Black doctors,” said McCoy. “This was my best chance at making sure I push myself ahead.”

While studying at Xavier University, McCoy’s rigorous coursework was extremely challenging, and she almost changed her major. With on-campus support from advisors, she stayed on course. “I was talking to my mom, crying, and went to my advisor with the challenges I was facing, and she comforted me,” she said. “It made me realize I only wanted to change majors because I’m used to everything coming easy. My advisor showed me that I do have a community here, and I don’t have to go through everything alone.”

After graduation, McCoy plans to enroll in physical therapy school and become an orthopedic surgeon. With UNCF’s support, McCoy was able to focus on school instead of worrying about finances.

“Every scholarship reminds me I’m not doing this alone,” she shared. “People are investing in my future and see my potential, which motivates me to push even harder.”

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 Zyaisah McCoy in their academic endeavors.