On Sunday, September 15th, a transformative event took place at Macy’s, where 250 students
from Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University received an inspiring
shopping experience tailored for their professional futures. This initiative was part of the UNCF
(United Negro College Fund) Empower Me Tour, in collaboration with the Atlanta University
Center Consortium, aiming to equip students for the annual AUC Career Fair scheduled for
September 20th at AmericasMart in Atlanta, GA.
From 10 AM to 12 PM, students engaged in a unique opportunity to receive professional styling
and exclusive discounts on pre-professional attire. This experience was designed not just to
prepare students for interviews with top Fortune 500 companies, but also to boost their
confidence as they step into the professional world. The significance of looking sharp cannot be
overstated, as first impressions can make all the difference in landing a job.
The UNCF Empower Me Tour is generously supported by founding sponsor Wells Fargo and
national sponsors including Proctor & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, Best Buy, FedEx,
Toyota, Cox Communications, and Paul Mitchell Schools. Since its inception, the Empower Me
Tour has awarded over $25 million in scholarships, positively impacting thousands of students
across the nation. This commitment to education and professional development illustrates the
power of community and collaboration in uplifting the next generation of leaders.
About UNCF
The United Negro College Fund stands as the nation’s largest and most effective minority
education organization. UNCF is dedicated to serving youth, the community, and the nation by
supporting education through scholarships and various programs. With a focus on strengthening
its 37 member colleges and universities, UNCF advocates for the importance of minority
education and college readiness. Despite comprising only 3% of all colleges and universities,
UNCF institutions are remarkably effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of
master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees, and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black
students in higher education.
Currently, UNCF administers over 400 programs that include scholarships, internships,
fellowships, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum development initiatives. This
dedication to educational advancement supports more than 60,000 students across over 1,100
colleges and universities nationwide. The UNCF logo, featuring the torch of leadership in
education, is a powerful reminder of its mission, underscored by its famous motto, “A mind is a
terrible thing to waste.”®
This event not only exemplifies the commitment of UNCF and its partners to empower students
but also highlights the vital role of community support in shaping a brighter future for young
professionals.
For more information about UNCF’s initiatives and updates, visit
UNCF.org or follow them on Twitter @UNCF. Your support can help
continue the legacy of education and empowerment for generations to come.
Photo Credit: Paris Fleming
More Stories
Albert Einstein’s Iconic Tongue-Out Photo
Surnames as Time Capsules: How Viking Migrations Shaped Modern Identities
The Timeless Charm of Covered Bridges: How Simple Roofs Extended Their Lifespan for Centuries