UNCF Houston
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Why not invest your time or money in better futures for young people in southern Texas, New Mexico and around the country?
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Thank You For a Successful Walk!!!!
Thank you to those who participated in the event on September 13th. You can still make a difference by making a donation now, submitting your matching gift form, or asking for your company’s employee volunteer hours grant.
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🎉 Join Us for a Milestone Celebration! 🎉
Join us for the 40th Anniversary UNCF South Texas – Houston Walk/Bike/Run for Education on Saturday, September 13, 2025!
Whether you walk, bike, or run, you’ll be part of an unforgettable day filled with community spirit, energy, and purpose—all to support education and empower the next generation of leaders.
💥 Don’t wait—register by September 10th before prices go up! (Yes, you can still sign up the morning of at the park—but why wait?)
Let’s make this milestone year the most impactful yet. Grab your spot today!
Thank You for Supporting the 39th Annual UNCF Walk/Bike/Run for Education!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 39th Annual UNCF Walk/Bike/Run for Education, proudly presented by Shell USA, Inc., on September 14, 2024. This extraordinary event aimed to raise $270,000 for underrepresented students across South Texas who are striving to get to and through college. It brought together more than 50 teams of nearly 1,500 Houstonians who participated by walking, running, and cycling—all in honor of UNCF, our students, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The City of Houston’s Mayor Pro Tem, Martha Castex-Tatum, served as the honorary chair, while Commissioner Rodney Ellis of Harris County Precinct One was the grand marshal. Together, they delivered a memorable family event supported by our corporate and community partners. Most importantly, this event would not have been possible without the dedication of over 100 volunteers.
Read more and see our gallery of pictures here.
The 2025 Gala Co-Chairs, Shannon Davis Hunter and Renee Rhoten Morris, invite you to join us for the 36th Annual UNCF South Texas – Houston “A Mind Is…” Gala on Saturday, November 22, 2025!
✨ This unforgettable evening will celebrate education, opportunity, and impact—and YOU can be part of it.
🌟 Sponsorships, underwriting opportunities, and table purchases are now open! Secure your place early to maximize visibility and ensure your seat at one of Houston’s premier events of the year.
Together, let’s empower students and transform futures.
Houston Notables in Attendance & Raised Vital Funds to Support the 35th Annual “A Mind Is…” Gala
November 15th was a night to remember, raising more than raising over $676K to support South Texas students, UNCF-member institutions, and other HBCUs, to help students of color to go to and through college! More than 500 Houstonians, including several city and state dignitaries, corporate partners, educators, religious leaders, community influencers, and alumni from some of UNCF’s 37 member institutions were in attendance.
Read more and see our gallery of pictures here.
UNCF South Texas – San Antonio hosted its 15th annual Mayor’s Luncheon on Feb. 5, 2025, at the Witte Museum. Over 200 San Antonians attended the event, representing local corporate partners, educators, and community leaders. Cary Clack, editorial writer and columnist at San Antonio Express-News, joined the program as the emcee. Clay Jones, region president, Frost Bank, accepted the Corporate Flame Award and the Excellence in Education award was bestowed upon the Honorable Ron Nirenberg, Mayor of San Antonio. Read more and see our gallery of pictures here.
Frankie Andres, UNCF Southern Regional Development Director, closed out the program after more than $21,000 was raised after a challenge grant was issued by H-E-B. The grant was presented by Morjoriee White, a former UNCF scholarship recipient, along with Elishia J. Payne, current student at Huston-Tillotson University. The $10,000 challenge grant was met before the event’s conclusion, with nearly $200,000 going towards scholarships for San Antonio students and operating support for UNCF’s four Texas member institutions: Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College and Wiley University!
For more information and future sponsorship opportunities, contact Frankie Andres at 210-224-1674 or by email at Frankie.Andres@UNCF.org.
Want to make a difference in a student’s life? Text “SAL25 YourName” to 41444.
Host a UNCF Sunday or Day of Worship For generations, churches have been pillars of support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), helping to uplift students through faith, community, and education.
The UNCF Interfaith & Education Initiative honors this legacy by partnering with houses of worship nationwide to raise critical scholarship funds and inspire the next generation of church leaders, ministers, and engaged members of faith communities.
Join us in this mission by hosting a UNCF Sunday or Day of Worship at your church. It’s a powerful opportunity to celebrate faith, education, and service—all while making a tangible difference in the lives of students striving for a brighter future.
Ready to get involved? Email Christy Salinas at Christy.Salinas@UNCF.org to learn more about how your congregation can take part.
News and Information
Did You Know?
UNCF Houston area office serves Southeast Texas (including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and the Golden Triangle) and New Mexico. UNCF’s 4 Texas member institutions include Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College and Wiley University. However, UNCF supports students at the four-year accredited school of their choosing and its 37-member institutions to keep their academic programs strong and their tuitions/fees affordable.
HBCU Student Inspires in Indianapolis
This summer, Aaron Williams, a rising senior at Huston-Tillotson University, served as a Teacher’s Assistant at Rooted School Indianapolis, guiding 7th–9th graders in Language Arts, communication, and conflict resolution. Grounded in Biblical principles, he inspired critical thinking while building meaningful connections with students. Williams credits his HBCU community for opening the door to this impactful experience.
UNCF Houston 2024 – 2025 Leadership Council
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Join The Houston Inter-Alumni Council
Interested in joining our Houston Inter-Alumni Council? Join President Dr. Talia M. Pennington-Dorsey and the other HIAC members to support minority higher education and advocate for HBCUs and the students that UNCF serves. Sign up for more information here.
UNCF Houston Staff
