UNCF Newark
“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 New Jersey and around the country?
UNCF Newark is here to help you send a student to college and turn his or her life around.
Regional Events
READ OUR REPORT:
HBCUs Matter and Boost Our Economy
Click For Full Report
Spotlighting Two Outstanding New Jersey UNCF Scholarship Recipients
Annaya Baynes
For Baynes, the UNCF fellowship was significant to her educational career:
“Without UNCF, I would not have believed that I truly had a space in academia. I would not be living my dreams of engaging with scholarly thought at the graduate level,” she said.
Click below to read more of her story.
Matthew Kassi
The UNCF Social Justice Scholarship provided Kassi with more than just financial relief—it was a crucial turning point in his college journey.
“This scholarship not only provided the financial support I needed at a very difficult time, but it also gave me a sense of validation and encouragement to move deeper into my purpose,” he said.
Click below to read more of his story.
UNCF National Interfaith and Education Initiative…A Partnership Rooted In Faith
Since 1944, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and the interfaith community have invested in each other. Churches and other places of worship around the country have helped historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) keep their doors open and remain strongly dedicated to education.
UNCF’s Interfaith and Education Initiative aims to raise the critical funds students need to become the next generation of ministers and church-supporting congregants. This fundraising is accomplished through campaigns, events, and other coordinated efforts in collaboration with the interfaith community.
For the UNCF New Jersey Area Office, this year’s faith campaign kickoff was held December 3, 2024. Faith Campaign Chair, Rev. K.D.R. Clayton and UNCF New Jersey’s Faith Committee hosted its annual Pastors’ Breakfast, in conjunction with Rev. Dr. Nichole R. Drakeford and First Baptist Church of Vauxhall.
Churches throughout New Jersey are encouraged to join in support of this year’s UNCF National Interfaith and Education Initiative, which runs through March 31, 2025.
Please contact UNCF New Jersey for more information.
THANK YOU FOR A SUCCESSFUL WALK!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in the recent National Walk for Education at Brookdale Park in Bloomfield, NJ, supporting UNCF’s mission of education, equity, and upward mobility.
Participants enjoyed various activities, including African dance, Double Dutch, and face painting, while we recognized our national and local sponsors and volunteers for their contributions. As UNCF continues to support students in their educational pursuits, we invite further support for our mission
Read more and see our gallery of pictures here.
News
Newark Mayor Recognizes UNCF Anniversary
Mayor Ras Baraka, City of Newark, NJ issued a proclamation in celebration of UNCF’s 80th anniversary.
Cultivating a Growing Need for STEM Expertise
The celebration of National Black History Month in February provides a nice setting to talk about diversity and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The growing need for STEM expertise in today’s job market means that society cannot afford to overlook any talented STEM graduates, such as those attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).
HBCUs represent just 3 percent of all higher-education institutions in the United States, yet they produce 25 percent of African American graduates in STEM fields. This is significant because African Americans continue to make up a lower share of STEM graduates relative to their share of the adult population, according to the Pew Research Center, despite the growing knowledge that diversity is an important attribute for job candidates. >>Read More
Did You Know?
- 9 out of every 10 applications are denied due to lack of financial resources.
- A $5,000 scholarship dramatically increases UNCF recipients’ rate of retention and likelihood of graduation.
- Your donation helps area students achieve their goals.
UNCF Newark 2023-24 Leadership Council
- Sara Baxter, 2021-current; CFO, SubCom
- Rev. Kenneth Clayton, 2013-current; Pastor, St. Luke Baptist Church
- Joyce Dudley, 2010-current; President and Principal, Dudley Hamilton Associates
- Lissa Jean Ferrell, Esq., 2014-current, Chair; LJF Consulting, LLC
- Dr. Avery Ince, 2020-current; US Scientific & Medical Affairs Strategy Lead, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Eric Kahn, Esq., 2019-current; Managing Shareholder, Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins
- Stanley King, Esq., 2023-current; Partner, Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins.
- Robin Nesbit, 2023-current; Compliance Business Partner, Bayer Corporation.
- Everton Scott, 2020-current; Senior Public Affairs Manager, PSEG.
- Tammeisha Smith, 2012-current; President and CEO, Dunbar Center, Inc.
Click to read about the Leadership Council members
“A Mind Is…”® Annual Giving Society
UNCF Newark Staff
