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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Regional Events
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HBCUs Matter and Boost Our Economy
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 40th Anniversary UNCF Walk/Bike/Run for Education, proudly presented by Shell USA, Inc., on September 13, 2025.
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 nearly 50 teams who participated by walking, running, and cycling—all in honor of UNCF, our students, and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum served as Honorary Chair, emphasizing the importance of scholarships in helping students achieve their college dreams. Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis led the event as grand marshal, kicking off the day with a spirited bike ride. Their leadership set a tone of energy and inspiration that carried throughout the morning. Most importantly, this event would not have been possible without over 200 volunteers from the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, LyondellBasell, Jack and Jill’s, Top Teens, several churches, and individuals from the community who managed logistics and ensured a smooth and seamless experience for all participants.
Generous sponsors supporting the event included Shell USA, Inc., Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Enterprise Mobility, ExxonMobil, H-E-B, and Motiva. The Walk also featured family-friendly activities in the Future Scholars Corner sponsored by ExxonMobil, including interactive STEM demonstrations, a robotic dog, hands-on science experiments, children’s games, and a free book giveaway from Harris County Public Library. In addition to exploring scholarship opportunities and creating their profiles, fifteen fortunate students received laptops generously donated by Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages.
Most importantly, all sponsors helped to make this year a success: Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Alexander TentRentals, Celebrate with Yard Art, City of Houston, DJ’s Screen Printing, Enterprise Mobility, ExxonMobil, Frenchy’s, Harris County Precinct 1, HarrisCounty Public Library, H-E-B, Houston Public Library and Houston Public LibraryFoundation, Houston Leadership Council Members, Houston Methodist Hospital, Lockton, LyondellBasell, Motiva, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Prejones Catering, Radio One – The Boxx 97.9, Praise 92.1, Majic 102.1, Rington Audio Visual, LLC, Right Time Solutions, Southwest Airlines, STEAMvention, Waste Management, Wellby Financial.
By event day, the campaign had raised $166,416.14, with donations and matching gifts continuing through Oct. 31, 2025.
Don’t miss your chance—registration is now open for the UNCF Leadership Conference! Join 500+ HBCU leaders, alumni, students, and supporters for an inspiring experience designed to spark ideas, partnerships, and progress.
Learn more and secure your spot today.
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.
We look forward to seeing you at the 16th Annual UNCF San Antonio Leaders’ Luncheon set for Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at The Red Berry Estate! San Antonio business, civic, and community leaders will come together to support UNCF’s mission of building a workforce pipeline of college graduates from the community and enhancing educational opportunities for talented students in our region.
Click here to download the Sponsorship Packet. More details to come soon!
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.
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.
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
