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UNCF — A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste®

Join us in our fight for better futures.

  • Scholarships
  • Who We Are
    • Who We Are
    • Our Mission
    • Member HBCUs
    • Local Offices
    • Get to Know the CEO
    • FDPRI
    • Capital Campaign
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Ways to Donate to Help Students
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  • Our Impact
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Donate to UNCF
UNCF — A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste®
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  • Introduction
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Introduction

  • Directors’ Letter

Impact

  • HBCU Economic Impact Report Reveals Universities’ Unmatched Contributions, Urgent Funding Needs
  • Groundbreaking UNCF Study Highlights Importance of Black Teachers
  • New Research from UNCF, Healthy Minds Network Shows Strong Mental Health Outcomes Among HBCU Students
  • UNCF Report Highlights HBCUs’ Role in Strengthening the Black Teacher Pipeline
  • Biden Administration Announces Big Investment Totals for HBCUs

Innovate

  • UNCF Launches Historic PSA Campaign
  • Project ACCLAIM Launches to Strengthen HBCU Students’ Pathways into Financial Services
  • Robert Kraft Donates $1 Million to Support New UNCF Initiative Combating Hate and Bigotry
  • Innovations at HBCUs: Spotlighting Groundbreaking Research and Achievements

Inspire

  • Children’s Book Author and STEM Nonprofit Founder Supported by UNCF Scholarship 
  • UNCF Student Leadership Conference: Donor Support Enables Students to Lead and Succeed
  • A Banner Year for Livingstone College: New Grants and Equipment Improving UNCF-Member Institution
  • Rising from the Ashes: UNCF’s Lifeline Amidst the LA Wildfires
  • Better Futures for Target Scholars: How the Program Changes Student Lives

Invest

  • $600M from Bloomberg Philanthropies Supports Four Historically Black Medical Schools to Train Next Generation of Doctors 
  • UNCF Raises $2 Million Through Walk for Education in 19 Cities to Support HBCUs and Students
  • UNCF-Style March Madness Raises $13.6M for HBCUs and their Students
  • Miles College Awarded Home Depot Innovation Lounge Grant
  • Tennis Champion Coco Gauff Gifts UNCF $100,000 to Create Scholarship for HBCU Students Playing Competitive Tennis
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INNOVATE

UNCF Launches Historic PSA Campaign

The public service announcement (PSA) campaign called “Light the Way” symbolizes UNCF’s legacy. For more than 80 years, UNCF has helped talented, deserving students get to and through college successfully.

In Fiscal Year 2025, UNCF unveiled a new video public service announcement (PSA) campaign reinforcing its iconic message that “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

“UNCF: Light the Way” marks the first national broadcast PSA the organization has released in more than a decade.

“We are extremely excited to release this new PSA demonstrating UNCF’s impact and commitment to making higher education obtainable for all,” said Monique LeNoir, senior vice president of communications at UNCF. “With this incredible PSA, we are inspiring new generations to invest in their education and reminding them that UNCF provides the resources to help students get to and through college.”

The 30-second video, filmed on the campus of UNCF-member institution Morehouse College, draws on the iconic symbolism of the UNCF torch of leadership. The spot highlights the passing of the torch to students, symbolizing how UNCF’s legacy continues to empower the next generation to pursue their dreams and unlock new opportunities.

The video debuted during Black History Month and has reached national audiences through movie theaters, cable television, the Ad Council, UNCF’s national social media channels and major video streaming platforms.

Created by Carol H. Williams Advertising—the nation’s longest-running independent multicultural marketing firm—the PSA raises awareness of UNCF’s mission to empower students and ensure access to higher education. It stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of education and the essential role UNCF plays in expanding opportunity for students across the country.

This new PSA helps elevate UNCF’s visibility on a national stage, shining a light on the organization’s unwavering mission to invest in the minds and futures of students across the United States. By reaching millions of Americans, “Light the Way” reminds audiences of the life-changing impact of education and strengthens UNCF’s footing to continue helping students get to and through college successfully. Through this PSA, we honor our legacy, inspire future generations and uphold our enduring motto: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

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