‘I’ve Been Able to Pave My Own Way’
Brooklyn Luckett from Denver, CO, was recently awarded the Target Scholars Program, the Adams Blumenberg STEM Scholarship and the Tell Us About “U” Scholarship, all administered through UNCF. This three-time UNCF scholarship recipient is a junior dual majoring in chemical engineering at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), a UNCF-member institution.
“As a person that was not born into a very financial stable situation, I didn’t know if I would have the opportunity to attend the colleges I wanted to because of finances,” said Luckett. “But because of scholarships like the Target Scholars Program, I’ve been able to pave my own way and do whatever I want with my future.”
The Target Scholars Program is a need-based scholarship that provides students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with financial assistance, mentorship and networking opportunities to prepare them for careers. The Adams Blumenberg STEM Scholarship is a need-based scholarship that supports HBCU students majoring in STEM who are passionate about shaping the future through innovation and technology.
With support from UNCF, Luckett was able to reduce the financial strain of a college education, gain professional development skills and have time to focus on campus activities that aligned with her career aspirations. “Because of the scholarships I have received, I now have more time to invest into not only my classes, but my campus activities,” she said. “I have gotten involved a lot more on campus and within my department due to spending less time worrying about funds. Also, I have been able to take more care of my mental health due to less stress around finances.”
On campus, Luckett has focused on leadership roles and opportunities that will help her grow—from the engineering department’s junior class representative for the dual degree to vice president of the environmental leadership initiative. She also serves as a student researcher through Clarks engineering advisor. Through these leadership roles and support from the UNCF Target Scholars Program, she has gained valuable mentors and skills that have increased her work ethic.
“During the Target Scholars Program, we had a meeting where we discussed how to better balance mental health while also trying to pursue a career,” Luckett shared. “Since that meeting, I have been using their advice on how to manage my mental health, and I have felt a lot less overstimulated this semester. I believe I have learned how to better balance my mental health while also staying afloat in classes.”
Luckett was drawn to CAU’s impressive five-year dual degree engineering program and the location of the campus. She applied to five schools, but she had a gut feeling that Clark was the right choice. During student orientation, she felt at home even though she was an out of state student. “Once I stepped foot onto campus, I felt like I belonged,” she said. “For me, it was strange to feel like I belonged since I was in a completely new state with no family.”
The welcoming nature of the campus was apparent during Homecoming season, which was her most memorable experience at CAU. She describes Homecoming as not only for entertainment but an opportunity to reflect on the value and impact of HBCUs. “Encountering people that have gone through the same thing you went through, just at different times, is very impressive. And to see that they all made it out successfully is very inspiring,” she said. “It’s a great feeling to know that people still have such love for their university, even 20 years later. Homecoming always shows me how much of a community that Clark Atlanta University truly is.”
After graduation, Luckett plans to work in the pharmaceutical field for a few years and then attend graduate school. She’s passionate about practicing medicine. With UNCF programming, Luckett has gained discipline, leadership skills and feels more prepared for when she enters the workforce.
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 Brooklyn Luckett in their academic endeavors.