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.
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HBCUs Matter and Boost Our Economy
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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.
Her trajectory through undergrad is a testament to how UNCF helped shape her academic and professional path.
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 NJ KICKS OFF FAITH CAMPAIGN WITH ANNUAL PASTORS’ BREAKFAST
UNCF NJ has scheduled this year’s annual Pastors’ Breakfast for December. The UNCF New Jersey Pastors’ Breakfast, started in 2018, aims to engage the faith community in New Jersey during the annual UNCF National Faith & Education Initiative. UNCF’s connections to the faith community have been strong and enduring; this partnership is rooted in shared values. From the beginning, UNCF member institutions have maintained faith-based affiliations. Throughout its history, the faith community has played an integral role in both UNCF’s founding 80 years ago and its ongoing support of our schools and scholars.
Under the leadership of our Faith Campaign Chair, Rev. Dr. KDR Clayton, UNCF NJ collaborates with a local church each year to host this breakfast as a launch event for the Faith Campaign. This year’s breakfast will be hosted by Rev. Dr. Nichole R. Drakeford and First Baptist Church of Vauxhall, New Jersey.
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
