Latest news with #UNCF
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Politics
- Business Upturn
Dr. Michael Lomax, Present and CEO of UNCF Issues Statement on Recent Antisemitic Attacks
WASHINGTON, DC, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF issued the following statement condemning the recent acts of anti-Semitic violence and reaffirming UNCF's unwavering commitment to standing against hatred in all its forms. 'In recent days, two acts of violence have struck at the heart of the Jewish community, stark reminders that hatred remains alive among us. In Washington, DC, a Jewish American woman and her Israeli fiancé were horrifically murdered as they left a reception at the Jewish Museum. In Boulder, Colorado, Molotov cocktails were thrown during a peaceful protest calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza. The intent of both violent incidents was clear: to sow fear, to spark terror, and to remind us that hatred, left unchecked, smolders and burns. As Black Americans, this flame is painfully familiar. We have seen it before, in the torches carried through darkened streets, in the crosses set ablaze on front lawns, and in the midnight knocks that tore fathers, mothers, and children from their homes. It is a hatred we know well, clothed in different garb but fueled by the same malevolent fire. The violence inflicted on Jewish Americans today echoes the terror that gripped Black communities during the Jim Crow era. Out of those long nights of fear, bonds were forged in the crucible of shared struggle. The relationship between the Black and Jewish communities was built on common purpose. It was Jewish brothers and sisters who marched with us in Selma, who stood with us in Birmingham, who bled beside us for civil rights. It was their pens that helped write the anthems of our movement and their moral clarity that strengthened our resolve. Today, as we confront this resurgent wave of anti-Semitism, we are reminded that the hatred that targets one of us threatens all of us. The same bigotry that demonizes the Jewish people fuels anti-Black racism, anti-LGBTQ animus, and every form of dehumanization that corrodes the soul of our nation. History teaches us that silence in the face of hatred is complicity. Our shared history teaches us that progress has always come when we stand together and raise our voices. At UNCF, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand against all forms of hatred. We are proud of the bridges built between the Black and Jewish communities, partnerships rooted in resilience and a common dream of freedom. We stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters, not as newly minted allies, but as partners bound by a shared legacy of resilience and a shared dream of liberation. As we raise our voices against the unresolved hatreds that linger from our past, we stand arm in arm, heart to heart, not just as witnesses to injustice but as architects of a future rooted in justice and love. We are resolute in our commitment to build a world where dignity and humanity prevail, knowing that when we fail to speak for others, we risk a future where no one is left to speak for us.' ### About UNCF UNCF is one of the nation's largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste.'® Learn more at or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Dr. Michael Lomax, Present and CEO of UNCF Issues Statement on Recent Antisemitic Attacks
'We are resolute in our commitment to build a world where dignity and humanity prevail, knowing that when we fail to speak for others, we risk a future where no one is left to speak for us' WASHINGTON, DC, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF issued the following statement condemning the recent acts of anti-Semitic violence and reaffirming UNCF's unwavering commitment to standing against hatred in all its forms. 'In recent days, two acts of violence have struck at the heart of the Jewish community, stark reminders that hatred remains alive among us. In Washington, DC, a Jewish American woman and her Israeli fiancé were horrifically murdered as they left a reception at the Jewish Museum. In Boulder, Colorado, Molotov cocktails were thrown during a peaceful protest calling for the release of hostages held in Gaza. The intent of both violent incidents was clear: to sow fear, to spark terror, and to remind us that hatred, left unchecked, smolders and burns. As Black Americans, this flame is painfully familiar. We have seen it before, in the torches carried through darkened streets, in the crosses set ablaze on front lawns, and in the midnight knocks that tore fathers, mothers, and children from their homes. It is a hatred we know well, clothed in different garb but fueled by the same malevolent fire. The violence inflicted on Jewish Americans today echoes the terror that gripped Black communities during the Jim Crow era. Out of those long nights of fear, bonds were forged in the crucible of shared struggle. The relationship between the Black and Jewish communities was built on common purpose. It was Jewish brothers and sisters who marched with us in Selma, who stood with us in Birmingham, who bled beside us for civil rights. It was their pens that helped write the anthems of our movement and their moral clarity that strengthened our resolve. Today, as we confront this resurgent wave of anti-Semitism, we are reminded that the hatred that targets one of us threatens all of us. The same bigotry that demonizes the Jewish people fuels anti-Black racism, anti-LGBTQ animus, and every form of dehumanization that corrodes the soul of our nation. History teaches us that silence in the face of hatred is complicity. Our shared history teaches us that progress has always come when we stand together and raise our voices. At UNCF, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand against all forms of hatred. We are proud of the bridges built between the Black and Jewish communities, partnerships rooted in resilience and a common dream of freedom. We stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters, not as newly minted allies, but as partners bound by a shared legacy of resilience and a shared dream of liberation. As we raise our voices against the unresolved hatreds that linger from our past, we stand arm in arm, heart to heart, not just as witnesses to injustice but as architects of a future rooted in justice and love. We are resolute in our commitment to build a world where dignity and humanity prevail, knowing that when we fail to speak for others, we risk a future where no one is left to speak for us.' ### About UNCFUNCF is one of the nation's largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste.'® Learn more at or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram. CONTACT: Roy Betts UNCF 240.703.3384
Business Upturn
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building Releases Career Pathways Initiative Report to Elevate HBCU Student Success and Career Outcomes
WASHINGTON, DC, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) released the highly anticipated Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) report, providing a data-driven narrative on how historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are redefining student success and aligning education with career outcomes. Fueled by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., CPI is empowering HBCUs to strengthen the link between academic experiences and the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. The outcomes speak volumes. Across the program period, 2016 to 2022, participating institutions experienced a 27% increase in median job placement and a 21% increase in median salary when comparing pre- and post-pandemic periods. But CPI's impact goes beyond employment metrics. The report reveals CPI is a transformative approach to experiential learning and student engagement. The report highlights a 184% surge in service-learning participation, a 100% increase in undergraduate research experiences, and a 40% growth in internship engagement. 'These numbers reflect more than just programmatic success—they represent lives changed and futures reshaped,' said Ed Smith-Lewis, UNCF's senior vice president of institutional programs and strategic partnerships, who led the initiative. 'This report isn't just a look back; it's a vision forward—a blueprint for how HBCUs can lead in designing bold, student-centered pathways that drive economic mobility.' At the heart of CPI is a three-pronged framework built on a bold, proactive and continuous approach to institutional transformation. This model fosters a deeply collaborative environment between ICB and its institutional partners—one defined by mutual accountability, shared learning, and a commitment to student outcomes. The three strategic pillars include: Guided Pathways: Embedding student success into the core of institutional operations by ensuring every student gets on, stays on, and graduates from a pathway that supports both personal and professional aspirations. Embedding student success into the core of institutional operations by ensuring every student gets on, stays on, and graduates from a pathway that supports both personal and professional aspirations. Integrated Co-Curricular Engagement: Redesigning curricula to streamline academic offerings, embedding 21st century competencies that prepare students for real-world challenges. Redesigning curricula to streamline academic offerings, embedding 21st century competencies that prepare students for real-world challenges. Curricular Enhancements: Expanding co-curricular learning opportunities that increase awareness, exposure and skill development in alignment with workforce needs. In the months ahead, ICB will release a series of companion pieces to the report. They will include case studies that illustrate how HBCUs are using CPI to reimagine advising models, strengthen employer partnerships, and unlock equitable access to high-growth industries. This work is part of ICB's larger mission: to catalyze transformation across the HBCU sector through aligned partnerships, strategic investments, and a commitment to institutional excellence. To read the CPI report visit: UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building Launches Career Pathways Initiative Report to Elevate HBCU Student Success & Career Outcomes – UNCF ICB. ### About UNCF UNCF is one of the nation's largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste.'® Learn more at or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram. About UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building partners with Black colleges and universities to propel a shared pursuit of student success, community advancement and the fight for racial-justice equity. To learn more about UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, please visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building Releases Career Pathways Initiative Report to Elevate HBCU Student Success and Career Outcomes
Fueled by an investment from Lilly Endowment Inc. WASHINGTON, DC, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) released the highly anticipated Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) report, providing a data-driven narrative on how historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are redefining student success and aligning education with career outcomes. Fueled by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., CPI is empowering HBCUs to strengthen the link between academic experiences and the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce. The outcomes speak volumes. Across the program period, 2016 to 2022, participating institutions experienced a 27% increase in median job placement and a 21% increase in median salary when comparing pre- and post-pandemic periods. But CPI's impact goes beyond employment metrics. The report reveals CPI is a transformative approach to experiential learning and student engagement. The report highlights a 184% surge in service-learning participation, a 100% increase in undergraduate research experiences, and a 40% growth in internship engagement. 'These numbers reflect more than just programmatic success—they represent lives changed and futures reshaped,' said Ed Smith-Lewis, UNCF's senior vice president of institutional programs and strategic partnerships, who led the initiative. 'This report isn't just a look back; it's a vision forward—a blueprint for how HBCUs can lead in designing bold, student-centered pathways that drive economic mobility.' At the heart of CPI is a three-pronged framework built on a bold, proactive and continuous approach to institutional transformation. This model fosters a deeply collaborative environment between ICB and its institutional partners—one defined by mutual accountability, shared learning, and a commitment to student outcomes. The three strategic pillars include: Guided Pathways: Embedding student success into the core of institutional operations by ensuring every student gets on, stays on, and graduates from a pathway that supports both personal and professional aspirations. Integrated Co-Curricular Engagement: Redesigning curricula to streamline academic offerings, embedding 21st century competencies that prepare students for real-world challenges. Curricular Enhancements: Expanding co-curricular learning opportunities that increase awareness, exposure and skill development in alignment with workforce needs. In the months ahead, ICB will release a series of companion pieces to the report. They will include case studies that illustrate how HBCUs are using CPI to reimagine advising models, strengthen employer partnerships, and unlock equitable access to high-growth industries. This work is part of ICB's larger mission: to catalyze transformation across the HBCU sector through aligned partnerships, strategic investments, and a commitment to institutional excellence. To read the CPI report visit: UNCF's Institute for Capacity Building Launches Career Pathways Initiative Report to Elevate HBCU Student Success & Career Outcomes - UNCF ICB. ### About UNCFUNCF is one of the nation's largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students' access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and our widely recognized trademark is, 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste.'® Learn more at or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Instagram. About UNCF's Institute for Capacity BuildingUNCF's Institute for Capacity Building partners with Black colleges and universities to propel a shared pursuit of student success, community advancement and the fight for racial-justice equity. To learn more about UNCF Institute for Capacity Building, please visit CONTACT: Roy Betts UNCF 240.703.3384 in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UNCF raising money for future college grads at Tampa Mayor's Masked Ball
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The United Negro College Fund is getting ready for its second annual Tampa Mayor's Masked Ball to raise funds for future collegiate scholars. Established in 1944, the United Negro College Fund was originally founded during a time where Black and Brown students could not attend certain colleges due to the color of their skin. UNCF partnered with the then few Historically Black Colleges and Universities to help minority students get to and through college. 'The goal in 1944 was to support those institutions that supported students of color,' said Gwen Hewitt, UNCF Area Development Director. 'In 1944, students of color had limited options as it related to attending college.' Today, 37 HBCU's belong to the UNCF network. The organization offers financial and academic support to those students. UNCF now also provides millions in scholarships annually to students going to any school in the country. In fact, the organization has provided $5.5 billion dollars in scholarships since its inception. UNCF helps raise funds through their Mayor's Masked Balls, which happen in several cities across the U.S. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor encouraged a local ball to help local students even with Florida's diversity efforts under the political microscope. 'Our mission is to get students to and through college. and that doesn't change,' Hewitt said. 'It doesn't matter who is doing what. Our commitment and our goal is to support those students particularly first generation and low income who need that support for an education.' In 2024, UNCF gave over $500,000 in scholarships to students in the Tampa Bay area. They are looking to increase that amount at the masked ball this year. It will take place Saturday, March 29 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency. UNCF will honor the legendary Tony Dungy for the amazing work he does at local schools and for local students. The event will also feature special guest and award-winning producer, Will Packer. Hundreds of scholarship applications are available for local students. Stay up to date with application deadlines on UNCF's official website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
