INVEST

UNCF Raises $2 Million Through Walk for Education in 19 Cities to Support HBCUs and Students

University of Louisiana students race to the finish line at UNCF’s Walk for Education in New Orleans, LA.

The National UNCF Walk for Education^® made major strides in FY 25, delivering strong results: across 19 cities nationwide, walkers, runners, bikers, skaters and supporters joined forces to raise $2 million in support of UNCF’s mission.

These events are more than fundraisers—they are a statement of community and commitment. From Milwaukee to Detroit to New York, participants rallied at the local level, amplifying national momentum and raising essential support for UNCF-member historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their students.

“UNCF is 80 years young, and we’re more committed than ever to pave the path forward for underrepresented students to fulfill their dream of attending college and achieving career success,” said Maurice E. Jenkins Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “We’re asking corporations, foundations, HBCU alumni and individual supporters to join UNCF in raising these critical funds through our Walk for Education series—and have fun doing good!”

Proceeds from the Walk for Education directly support UNCF’s core mission of enabling student success, strengthening its member institutions, fostering awareness of the need for donations to UNCF, and demonstrating the impact of private financial support, both large and small.

For FY25, the national UNCF Walk for Education^® sponsor was Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company that is reimaging a healthier future for all. The company, which has supported UNCF since its founding in 1944, also proudly participated in the event. At the local level, the South Texas UNCF Walk for Education in Houston, TX, event drew considerable corporate backing. Sponsors included the Boeing Company, ExxonMobil, Southwest Airlines, Wellby Financial, Wells Fargo, Whataburger and many others.

Xavier University of Louisiana cheerleaders perform at UNCF’s Walk for Education in New Orleans, LA.

Additionally, General Motors, a legacy supporter of UNCF for 80 years, fielded its largest corporate fundraising team in the Detroit UNCF Walk’s history. Celebrating its 36th year, the Detroit UNCF Walk for Education exceeded its $600,000 fundraising goal thanks to support from Ph.D. Sponsor: Ford Motor Company; Master’s Sponsors: AAA-The Auto Club Group, Delta Air Lines and Emagine Entertainment; Bachelor’s Sponsors: AAA Life Insurance, Comerica Bank and Henkel Corporation along with our other sponsors, nearly 500 walkers and more than 80 volunteers.

These local outcomes illustrate how a $2 million fundraising goal is built city by city and dollar by dollar—and how strong regional turnout and corporate engagement can elevate the campaign’s impact.

Every dollar raised through the Walk for Education is an investment in potential—an investment in students, institutions and community progress. As philanthropic dollars big and small flow into UNCF’s mission, they help unlock scholarships, programming and capacity-building at HBCUs, enabling more students to get to and through college. Stronger HBCUs produce more graduates who contribute innovation, leadership and economic vitality across all sectors of American life. In short, investing in UNCF is investing in America’s future—ensuring broader access, opportunity and lasting impact for all of us.