Hundreds of Chicago high school seniors will be given the opportunity to apply for nearly a million dollars in scholarships on Thursday, November 2 at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum during the UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Empower Me Tour (EMT). EMT is a free, traveling college-and-career-readiness roadshow, presented in partnership with Target. It awards scholarships to our nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
UNCF is the largest scholarship provider to students of color, awarding $100 million annually in scholarships to more than 10,000 students. “Being awarded the UNCF scholarship has allowed me to maintain my focus on my education by taking away some of my financial burdens,” says Chicago native Dion Gray. “It’s made the transition to Lincoln University so much smoother,” he added.
Established nearly a decade ago, in partnership with Wells Fargo, EMT encourages students to choose education first. Through partnerships with the Chicago Public School system (CPS), parents, and corporations, the EMT offers access to HBCU college prep workshops, presenters, college recruiters, and award-winning educational experts. Students will be allowed to apply for college admission, financial aid and scholarships on location. Five students will be selected, on the spot, and awarded the Target Merit Scholarship, valued at $5,000. “Getting students of color to and through college is an attainable goal that UNCF is making a reality through programs such as the Empower Me Tour,” said Paulette Jackson, UNCF’s Vice President of National Development.
The Chicago EMT is scheduled for Thursday, November 2, at 8:30 a.m. at the University of Illinois at Chicago Forum located 725 W. Roosevelt Road. It is free for all students and parents. Following the Chicago stop, the UNCF EMT will travel to Cincinnati, OH on Nov. 15-16; and Dallas, TX on Dec. 4-5. The tour is supported by presenting sponsor Target, founding sponsor Wells Fargo, FedEx and P&G.
For more information, visit: www.EmpowerMeTour.org. And stay connected on social media @UNCF #EmpowerMeTour.
About UNCF: UNCF (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, 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 20 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 more than 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 www.UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, @UNCF and #EmpowerMeTour.
