Growing up around the Clark Atlanta University (CAU) campus, watching his mother attend class while raising him as a single parent, instilled perseverance in Jayden Griffin, now a rising senior at the UNCF-member institution. Griffin, a mass media arts major with a concentration in radio, television and film, recently became a recipient of three UNCF scholarships: the John Lennon Endowed Scholarship, the Michael Jackson Scholarship and the Tell Us About “U” Scholarship.

“UNCF scholarships have allowed me to remain fully enrolled, reduce financial strain at home, focus on academic excellence rather than survival while minimizing loan dependency,” he said. With the support of UNCF, he has not only lifted some of the financial burden off his family, he’s also achieved a milestone—becoming the first male in his family to attend a historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the first male to graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

Jayden Griffin on campus with his mother, a CAU alumnae.

Griffin and his mother relocated from Harlem, NY to Atlanta, GA so she could complete her degree from CAU. The impact of watching his mom on campus influenced his decision to attend college and helped him see that higher education was in reach. “I grew up experiencing the sense of family and community that existed on campus, and it was something that always stayed with me,” Griffin said. “Because of that, college never felt distant or unfamiliar.”

Receiving UNCF scholarships brought relief to his family during a difficult time. In 2019, Griffin’s mother was diagnosed with severe lung disease and was unable to work, which resulted in a huge financial gap for funding his education and made navigating college more complex. “[UNCF’s] investment has not only supported my tuition,” Griffin said. “It has strengthened my family during a season that demanded resilience, faith and forward vision.”

Beyond financial support, UNCF scholarships allowed Griffin to reduce his work hours and devote time to focus on professional development and involvement in campus organizations. He served as the president of Men of CAU and Mister Sophomore on the student government association’s royal court. Currently, he serves as an intake coordinator as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Alpha Phi Chapter and member of the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society. Through these roles, he mentors young students and leads community service initiatives that uplift his peers.

Jayden Griffin attends UNCF’s Unity Dinner at Clark Atlanta University.

Griffin had the opportunity to participate in UNCF programming when he was invited to a Unity Dinner hosted by the Tikkun Olam initiative, a collaboration between UNCF, Blue Square Alliance | Stand Up to Jewish Hate and Hillel International. Unity Dinners, held in multiple cities throughout the country, connect students from HBCUs and from Hillels at predominantly White institutions (PWIs), creating a cross-cultural conversation that cultivates a new generation of leaders committed to social justice and equity.

“Through that experience, I connected with notable community leaders, exchanged information with professionals across institutions and engaged in meaningful dialogue with peers from various universities,” he said.

One of his most memorable college experiences  was studying abroad in Ghana through Emerson College’s Beats Beyond Borders: Digital Storytelling and Hip Hop Culture program, a four-week course where students immerse themselves in Ghanian culture, focus on the origins and business of hip-hop and its global impact on the African diaspora, while utilizing storytelling and social media. “The opportunity to study digital storytelling while examining the global influence of hip-hop in Ghana immediately stood out as an experience that would allow me to grow both creatively and culturally,” Griffin said.

Scholarships from UNCF provide students with support that they need to thrive and lead in college. Griffin encourages students to apply for scholarships and bet on themselves. “Do not count yourself out before the opportunity has a chance to count you in,” he shared. “Many students underestimate their qualifications. UNCF exists to invest in potential. Even the act of applying builds discipline, confidence and clarity.”

After graduation, Griffin plans to attend graduate school and study film and television production. He’s passionate about developing independent projects that focus on global and diasporic storytelling, including identity, culture and community narratives.

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 Jayden Griffin in their academic endeavors.

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