RB and Lysol Partner with UNCF

Improving access through the creation of 100 scholarships

Reckitt Benckiser (RB), the makers of Lysol, today announced a strategic partnership with UNCF to provide 100 scholarships for students pursuing studies in public health, nutrition and other STEM related fields, with the goal of supporting each recipient through their four-year matriculation.

The “Reckitt Scholars” will expand Lysol’s current investments in public education and efforts to improve access to health, hygiene and nutrition in the U.S., particularly in underserved communities and those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our partnership with UNCF and the launch of the Reckitt Scholars program, is in honor of Sir James Reckitt the son of one of the founders of RB.  The scholarship is designed to help address two critical disparities—access to education and public health. We were compelled to take action after observing the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on underserved communities and the lack of representation of the black community in higher education. It is more important than ever that we use our voice and influence as a force for good and look forward to collaborating with UNCF on this effort,” said Ranjay Radhakrishnan, chief people officer, RB.

UNCF is the nation’s largest private scholarship provider for students of color, awarding more than $100 million in scholarships to students attending more than 1,100 schools across the country, including 37 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“At a time when social, health and economic issues are all at the forefront of our national discourse, we are extremely grateful for support from donors, like RB and Lysol,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, UNCF’s president and CEO. “This substantial gift is much needed and will have a lasting impact on students. Thank you for being a stellar example of what it takes to realize the vision of a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education.”

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ABOUT RB
RB* is driven by its purpose to protect, heal and nurture in a relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We fight to make access to the highest-quality hygiene, wellness and nourishment a right, not a privilege, for everyone.

RB is proud to have a stable of trusted household brands found in households in more than 190 countries. These include Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite, Air Wick and more.  20 million RB products a day are bought by consumers globally.

RB’s passion to put consumers and people first, to seek out new opportunities, to strive for excellence in all that we do, and to build shared success with all our partners, while doing the right thing, always is what guides the work of our 40,000+ diverse and talented colleagues worldwide.

For more information visit www.rb.com

^{*RB is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies}

ABOUT UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 17 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized motto, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”^® For continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @UNCF.