INNOVATE

To truly create job opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to such a career path, students must gain access to opportunity, feel a sense of belonging and community and see others like them in the industry thriving. UNCF believes—and has seen time and again—that doors opened to UNCF-supported students “pay it forward” and “light a pathway” for other students from their schools to follow.

In fiscal year 2024, UNCF celebrated its third cohort of students with a “Welcome to Boston” reception. Lighted Pathways alumni Jolene Ballard and Olivia Broussard, who successfully gained employment at RBC Capital Markets and Acadian Asset Management, respectively, joined the celebration to share their stories and provide the new interns with valuable tips for a successful internship experience.

Thanks to the UNCF Lighted Pathways Program, Ballard and Broussard chose Boston and the asset management industry as a place and industry to work in and flourish. That kind of innovative approach to connecting talented, deserving students to new education and career opportunities is why UNCF continues to ensure better futures for us all.