Preparing the next generation of HBCU students to be successful in the college scholarship process and beyond
United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council partnered with Wells Fargo, and First Coast High School to host the 2nd annual “Invest in Your Future” community forum at First Coast High School on March 30, 2019.There were more than 100 people in attendance. The keynote speaker was Larry Rozier, former executive director of the Duval County Public School and motivational speaker. The event prepared students and their parents for the college scholarship process and provided information on the financial resources to get students to and through college.
“As UNCF celebrates 75 years of impact, it is important that we provide our next generation of leaders with the tools to be successful in a competitive workforce,” said Anita Henri, regional development director, UNCF. “We secure better futures for us all by connecting the community through events such as these.”
Additionally, the event featured a panel discussion on diverse career opportunities, and the required educational background that leads to such prospective careers. Panelist included Earlette Burnell-Hannibal, assistant vice president, Wells Fargo; Ms. Stephanie Speight-Sellers, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C nurse practitioner sound physicians; Chief Clarence Hodge, Jacksonville Fire & Rescue and attorney Rhonda Peoples-Waters..
The Forum emphasized that academic excellence, leadership development, community service and extra-curricular activities are essential, determining factors of successful scholarship applications. “A student’s ability to secure a scholarship is primarily determined by his or her preparation before their senior year,” said Ms. Henri.
Keynote speaker Larry Rozier charged students to live their best lives. He targeted key points as it relates to what students need to do in order to matriculate to a 2 or 4-year college. Rozier also expressed the importance of having key people in students’ lives assist with the college and scholarship process.
Throughout the year, UNCF supports the Florida community by hosting various events and providing over a half a million dollars to area students and member institutions such as Edward Waters College. UNCF and the Jacksonville Leadership Council, with the financial support from Wells Fargo, host two of these forums in Jacksonville per year.
About UNCF
UNCF (the 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 17 percent 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 motto, ‟A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @UNCF
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