UNCF Empower Me Tour Returned to Wisconsin on Oct. 23 & 24, Empowering Milwaukee Students with College Readiness, Scholarships, and On-Site College Admissions

On October 23rd and 24th, high school seniors from Milwaukee turned to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) for valuable guidance on preparing for college. UNCF, known for its dedication to supporting students of color, helped connect students with resources for their post-graduation journey.

Last year, UNCF awarded over $5 million in scholarships to more than 800 Milwaukee Public School students during their visit, and this year they returned to continue their mission. The 2024 Milwaukee College Readiness Fair took place on October 24th at the Baird Center, running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., providing students with crucial information and opportunities for their academic futures.

Ahead of the fair, on October 23rd, UNCF hosted a “How To Pay For College Workshop” at Milwaukee Public Schools. This workshop, aimed at parents, offered practical tools and advice to help families navigate the financial aspects of college. Parents learned about funding options and strategies to support their children’s higher education.

High school students who attended EMT events received expert tips on college preparation, the HBCU experience, and personal finances in addition to empowerment and personal branding advice. They also had the opportunity to interview on-site during the event with select colleges for admissions and scholarships at different colleges and universities.

The event is part of the Empower Me Tour (EMT), a program created over 15 years ago by founding sponsor Wells Fargo. EMT was designed to inspire students to pursue four-year college degrees and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers. Wells Fargo’s commitment to this program has allowed it to impact thousands of students across the country. “The Empower Me Tour is a program we’re incredibly proud to support,” said Gigi Dixon, head of External Engagement for Diverse Segments at Wells Fargo. “For over 16 years, our team has helped students define and pursue their college goals.”

UNCF’s Empower Me Tour was sponsored by Wells Fargo, Proctor & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company, Best Buy, FedEx, Cox Communications and Paul Mitchel Schools. Since its inception, UNCF EMT has offered more than $25 million in scholarships and impacted thousands of students.

About UNCF:

UNCF is the nation’s largest minority education organization, providing scholarships and advocating for the importance of college readiness and education for students of color. Supporting 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), UNCF has helped students across the country access education and career opportunities. Despite making up only 3% of all colleges and universities, HBCUs account for 15% of bachelor’s degrees earned by Black students, including significant numbers in STEM fields. Learn more at UNCF.org and follow them on Twitter at @UNCF.

About Wells Fargo:

Wells Fargo & Company is a leading financial services provider with over $1.9 trillion in assets, serving one in three U.S. households. The company supports various social impact efforts, including small business growth, financial health, and housing affordability. For more information, visit wellsfargo.com and follow them on Twitter at @WellsFargo.

Photos cred: courtesy of UNCF