‘A Single Application Can Open the Door to Mentorship, Career Exposure and Community’

Makenzi Henderson, a freshman at Spelman College, one of UNCF’s member institutions, recently received the UNCF STEM Scholars Program and Foot Locker Foundation Scholarship, administered by UNCF. She hails from Missouri City, TX, and is studying health science.

The UNCF STEM Scholars Program provides high school students pursuing a career in STEM with scholarships, internships, mentoring and other tools to help them reach their goals. The STEM scholars attend a leadership summit to connect with their cohort, map out their academic goals and hear from current Black professionals in STEM fields. The Foot Locker Foundation Scholarship is a renewable scholarship for high school seniors and undergraduate students with financial need.

“Without these scholarships, I would likely be working a job to make ends meet while trying to balance academics, which would add significant stress to my transition into college,” said Henderson. She adds that she’s grateful for the community that UNCF provides that supports her “emotionally, academically and intellectually,” she said. She describes the UNCF STEM scholarship as not only a financial investment but “also an investment in my future.”

As a UNCF STEM Scholar, Henderson traveled with her cohort to Puerto Rico to explore new ways of thinking and be exposed to the culture. “I connected with medical professionals and other students interested in STEM,” she said. “It also allowed me to expand my understanding in STEM-related topics.” The network of professionals that she gained through the week-long study abroad experience has helped her grow academically, professionally and personally as she pursues a career in healthcare. “Seeing how limited funding, delayed aid, and environmental trauma produced preventable health crises made disparities feel real and urgent. That experience transformed my career direction. I no longer just wanted to work in health care — I wanted to shape the science, policy, and access behind it,” said Henderson.

While participating in UNCF programming and events, Henderson has honed her professional developments skills and learned about the importance of networking, mentorship and community building. She attended the 2024 UNCF Gala in Houston, TX, which connected her with inspiring leaders and professionals.

UNCF programming has prepared Henderson for future leadership opportunities. Currently, she serves as the social media chair for the Morehouse Polo Club and a student ambassador for Notion, an AI productivity tool.

Henderson encourages students to apply for UNCF scholarships because they provide students with resources beyond financial need and the support makes the college journey easier for students to navigate. “A single application can open the door to mentorship, career exposure and community,” she shared. “Many HBCUs face limited funding for institutional scholarships, but UNCF fills that gap and provides students with resources that make their college journey more accessible, meaningful and successful.”

When choosing a college, Henderson was drawn to Spelman’s sisterhood and being surrounded by “ambitious, like-minded young women,” which made her transition to college as a freshman inspiring. Her most memorable experience on campus has been connecting with other freshmen who share her passion and interests in education, culture and service.

Upon graduation, she plans to become a medical science liaison or work in pharmaceutical sales. She’s interested in a career that combines healthcare, advocacy and community impact.

UNCF is proud of our students and alumni who have received scholarships that help them continue their education and graduate. These scholarships are invaluable to students, and UNCF is accepting donations to support students like Makenzi Henderson in their academic endeavors.