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What does UNCF do?
UNCF serves students, communities and the nation by helping low-income students to and through college.  UNCF fulfills this mission by annually providing 10,000 scholarships, supporting the education of more than 57,000 students at 37 UNCF-member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and more than 900 colleges and universities across the country and by serving as one of the country’s most prominent advocates for the importance of education and college readiness.
What is the significance of UNCF’s motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste?”®
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste”®reaches millions of Americans each year through a national multi-platform Ad Council campaign.  It is both a reminder and a call to action:  a reminder that in spite of great progress since “A mind is” made its debut, millions of low-income minority students still aren’t receiving the pre-school-through-college education they need and deserve; and a call to action to support UNCF in its mission of helping all Americans to get the education the nation needs them to have.
What do UNCF scholarship programs accomplish?
UNCF scholarship programs help students from low-income families pay for tuition, text books, room and board and other college expenses.  Many programs, like the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative, include internships and target specific academic and career opportunities.  UNCF’s largest scholarship program, the Gates Millennium Scholarship Program, includes academic and social support, leadership training and mentoring, as well as financial support, It has graduation rates that average 90 percent, significantly higher than the national average.  And UNCF’s Campaign for Emergency Student Aid provides “just in time” aid that helped thousands of economically impacted students graduate on time. 
Does UNCF only support undergraduate education?
No. UNCF provides millions of dollars each year to support students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees.  UNCF is also committed to strengthening K-12 education in America so that students graduate high school prepared for college.
Does UNCF help only African Americans?
Not at all.  UNCF’s member colleges and universities admit students without reference to race or ethnicity.  UNCF’s largest scholarship program, the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, supports Hispanic American, Asian/Pacific American and Native American students as well as African Americans.
At this point in our history, why does the U.S. still need an organization and programs targeted at African Americans and other minority students?
Much progress has been made since UNCF was founded in 1944 and especially since “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”® was created more than 40 years ago.  African Americans now attend almost every college in the country and America has celebrated the second Inauguration of its first black president.  But African American rates of college attendance and graduation are still much lower than those of other groups.  This is due to the high cost of college compared to lower African American income levels and to the fact that many African Americans are not given the education before college needed for success in college.  At a time when a college degree is the basic educational qualification for almost every fast-growing, well-paying job and career, these students need and deserve help getting a college education.  And at a time when, as President Barack Obama has said, “The country that out-educates us today will out-compete us tomorrow,” the nation needs this fast-growing segment of the population to have the education the 21st century economy demands.
What is the importance of UNCF-member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)?
Since their founding, private HBCUs like those that are members of UNCF have served the education needs of students underserved by other institutions.  Although African American students now attend almost every American college and university, more students now attend HBCUs than when “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”® was created in 1971.  Research shows that HBCUs out-perform many non-HBCUs in enrolling and graduating low-income students.  And in an era of high tuition, UNCF institutions have average tuition levels more than 30 percent lower than those of comparable colleges.  UNCF institutions, like other HBCUs, are also uniquely qualified to address the academic and social challenges faced by low- and moderate-income students, many of whom are the first in their families to go to college.
How many students have graduated from UNCF-member collegessince UNCF was founded?
Over the almost seven decades since its founding, UNCF support has enabled more than 400,000 students to earn their degrees at UNCF colleges and universities and with UNCF scholarships.
Do students have to attend a UNCF-member college to receive financial support?
No.  UNCF provides support to students at more than900 colleges across the country, including flagship state universities, elite private institutions and HBCUs.
Does UNCF provide internships?
Yes.  Hundreds of students receive internship and fellowship opportunities through the UNCF/Merck Science Initiative and the UNCF Corporate Scholars, UNCF Gateway to Leadership and UNCF Social Entrepreneurship programs.
How can I volunteer to help?
Local UNCF offices across the country host fundraising, awareness and other types of events throughout the year.  To volunteer to help with an event or fundraising campaign, please contact your local UNCF office, which you can find here.
What is UNCF An Evening of Stars®?
UNCF An Evening of Stars® is an annual TV program now entering its 34th year. Produced by UNCF and broadcast across the country, it features top talent—recent performers have included Fantasia, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson—and information about the work UNCF does, the programs it offers, and the more than 60,000 students whose education it supports every year.