UNCF and adidas Black and Latinx Community Scholarship Program Announced
Media Contact
Monique LeNoir UNCF Communications 202.810.0231 monique.lenoir@uncf.org
Supports students attending HBCUs and other colleges and universities
Since partnering in 2020, adidas has pledged a total of $3 million to support UNCF (United Negro College Fund) through 2025, to help Black and Latinx students achieve their educational pursuits through the adidas Black and Latinx Community Scholarship. Imagine the difference it would make to feel direct support from a brand that is committed to changing lives through sport and that partners with admired athletes and creators. From music production to sports medicine, adidas Black and Latinx Community Scholarship recipients are supported to make moves, to grow personally, and give back to their communities as forces for good.
The scholarship program was created to help address the financial needs of underrepresented Black and Latinx students interested in pursuing postsecondary studies at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) or other colleges and universities and through non-traditional academic pathways.
Through the program, adidas and UNCF have already awarded 55 scholarships of up to $10,000 each to students, 37 of whom received the full $10,000 award, and 55% of whom attend HBCUs.
Recipient Jaya Robinson explains why the scholarship matters: “As I continue my education at [UNCF-member HBCU] Xavier University of Louisiana, I will always remember those that believed in me by providing such rewarding opportunities. Your scholarship has opened a door and a pathway to a much brighter future, and for that, I am forever thankful. I will continue to be a positive and impactful representation of the community that this scholarship was founded on. “
Another awardee, UNCF-member HBCU Spelman College student Sierra Sands, is pursuing a degree in computer science, and plans to apply data analytics for social good by lobbying to overcome food deserts, obstacles to education and access to health and wellness. As a student in a field where there is little representation, Sierra knows to be creative in this field she must do more than think outside of the box, she must “think like there is no box.”
Applicants of the program each submitted a video describing how they plan to incorporate the three C’s (Confidence, Collaboration, Creativity) into their academic and professional pursuits. Each of the scholar’s application videos showed how they are stepping into their passions.
Aspiring physician Ashley Fakolujo shared, “My goal as a future physician is to take care of my patients to the best of my abilities and to reach out when I need help. Going into the hospital with confidence will make me a better colleague and doctor.” And musician, Alioune Drame, has already sidestepped detractors to become a multi-instrumentalist producer who improves his craft through collaboration.
Every scholar has an innate drive and vision for their future. Watch these inspiring videos to hear from a few of the recent scholarship recipients:
To learn more about the scholarship program and apply, go to UNCF.org/scholarships.
About UNCF
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.