UNCF Scholarships Save Lives, Help Students Achieve their Dreams

Grace Hall, a biology major at The University of the District of Columbia (UDC), an esteemed HBCU in the nation’s capital, recently received the Slater-Millner Scholars Fund from UNCF. The scholarship reduced financial stress and allowed her to focus on her education.

“UNCF is a lifesaver!” Hall shared. “As an out-of-state transfer student to my university, the costs are much more than I expected. Having the scholarship definitely alleviates financial stress for me and my mom!”

In partnership with UNCF, Dr. Nancy Slater and Dr. Alan Millner developed the scholarship to provide financial assistance to sophomores who are on a pre-med track with a demonstrated interest in serving underserved communities. The program, administered by UNCF, also offers mentorship and advising services through the Ascension Medical Educators – Aspiring Physicians Program. The Aspiring Physicians Program offers recipients monthly webinars focused on topics like professional identity, Medical College Admission Test prep and one-on-one academic advising.

“This scholarship has opened my eyes to what it truly entails to be in the medical field, not only as a Black woman, but also to what it takes to succeed in it,” Hall explained. “Every month, we have a one one-on-one meeting as well as group sessions to prepare us for the medical profession. I am learning more about who I need to be as a healthcare advocate and professional because of the program.”

After graduating from UDC, Hall plans to attend medical school and become an emergency medicine physician.

At first, Hall was recruited to play lacrosse, which she has been playing since 8th grade, for another HBCU. “I was the first woman to ever receive a full-ride scholarship in the sport at my high school, and it was a dream come true,” she shared.

“For personal reasons, I knew I needed to transfer, and I wanted to still play lacrosse,” she continued. “The University of the District of Columbia lacrosse coach reached out to me and asked me to come for a visit. After spending two hours on the campus, I knew this was the place for me. I love the culture of the university, the lacrosse program and, yes, the hustle and bustle of DC! They weren’t able to offer me a full-ride, so receiving the Slater-Millner scholarship has assisted in bridging the tremendous gap that existed for me financially.”

Her most memorable experience at UDC so far was presenting a research poster on porous crystals from biomass for gas storage applications. “I have been engaged as a student researcher on a National Science Foundation grant, and the work has been fascinating,” Hall shared. “Admittedly, it’s a stretch for me, since I would prefer to get my hands dirty in a hospital; however, it challenges me. I never thought I would enjoy working through chemistry at this level, and my mentor has been incredibly thoughtful with instruction and guidance.”

Hall’s mother graduated from another HBCU, Bennett College, a UNCF member institution, and her dad attended a predominately White institution (PWI).

“I know so many kids who think applying for scholarships is a scam, but it isn’t, and it’s worth the time it takes to apply,” Hall assured fellow students. “I have learned that I won’t get every scholarship I apply to, but if I don’t apply to any, I am assured not to win.”

Once she is in a position, Hall plans to give back to the next generation of scholars. “UNCF scholarships are saving lives and helping students like me achieve and live my dreams,” she said. “I want to be in a position to one day fund a UNCF scholarship to help others because it is my reasonable service. ‘To whom much is given, of him much is required,’” she quoted.

“With all that is going on in this country surrounding education, we have to not just be takers, but givers too,” Hall said. “Every single donor is investing in people they may never meet in the hopes of making life better for the next generation.”

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 Grace Hall in their academic endeavors.