JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For nearly 80 years, the United Negro College Fund has helped more than 500,000 students of color earn their college degrees at historically Black colleges and universities.
Action News Jax’s Courtney Cole spoke to two students who said receiving scholarships from UNCF changed their lives.“It’s really been amazing with meeting new people,” Brianna Pendergrass said.
“After I graduate from Edward Waters, I know I want to pursue a Ph.D. program,” Pendergrass also shared with Cole that she will be participating in a STEM internship research program with Cornell University this summer. The United Negro College Fund helps 37 HBCUs, including Edward Waters University, by supporting them, keeping student tuition low and keeping academic programs strong.
“I go back to my high school and be like, ‘I was literally right here where you were. And the problems that you’re facing now, they were a problem for me and I can overcome them. If you need help just ask me.”“My mother was my biggest cheerleader, my biggest supporter. And if she was here today, I know for a fact that she would be so proud of me. She’s probably more proud of me than I am proud of me.