(NDG Wire) With thousands of economy-impacted college students short of funds to pay for tuition, books, and dormitory rooms, UNCF–the United Negro College Fund–the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, is urging all Americans to contribute to its Campaign For Essential Student Aid, an initiative to help students at UNCF’s 39 member historically black colleges and universities complete their senior year and receive their college degrees. UNCF today kicked off the Campaign for Essential Student Aid in North Texas, a campaign which aims to raise $4 million nationally this year to help 2,500 students.
“It is essential that students cross the finish line and graduate,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. “These students have done everything in their power to graduate. Now, they have come to the last mile and need help crossing the finish line. We encourage communities across America to help these students get the education they need and our nation needs them to have. Many of these students will not be able to graduate this year if support is not secured.”
As the recession lingers, many students at UNCF schools continue to find themselves in financially vulnerable positions. Unemployment and pay cuts still reduce families’ financial support for their children’s education. The credit crunch still keeps private student loans off the market. And students still come up short of the funds they need to cover tuition and room and board balances.
Individuals, corporations and foundations can help thousands of students finish this academic year by contributing to the Campaign For Essential Student Aid. Many companies match their employees’ donations, doubling the support for these deserving college seniors. Other companies, like ExxonMobil, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Lowe’s—have given CESA challenge grants—donations that UNCF matches, again effectively doubling the donation. All of them help a graduating senior complete the final year of their college education.
To help keep kids in college, send a donation today. Send your gift to the UNCF office at 501 Elm Street, Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75202 or call 972-234-1007. For more information visit www.uncf.org and click on Campaign for Essential Student Aid .
