UNCF celebrates 80 years of supporting students of color, HBCUs

The United Negro College Fund awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students of color every year. (Photo credit: UNCF)

Every year, the United Negro College Fund connects 50,000 students of color with a college education. The organization awards more than $1 million in scholarships to students of color every year. The ripple effect can last a lifetime.

UNCF’s data shows graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities earn 57% more over their lifetime than those without a degree. Now, UNCF is celebrating 80 years of making a difference in the lives of students of color.

Justine Boyd is the assistant vice president of regional development. She encourages students not to be intimidated by the application process, saying that some scholarship money goes unclaimed.

On Thursday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Boyd also talked with show host Rose Scott about how the organization is celebrating 80 years and continuing its mission to support students of color. She then discussed UNCF’s efforts to build larger endowments at HBCUs and the importance of making scholarships more accessible.