UNCF Houston
“A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.”® Why not invest your time or money in better futures for young people in southern Texas, New Mexico and around the country?
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Thank you for supporting the 41st Annual UNCF South Texas–Houston Walk for Education! Nearly 1,000 participants, including 33 teams, turned out Saturday, Sept. 26, at Tom Bass Regional Park Section 1 for UNCF South Texas–Houston’s 41st Annual Walk for Education, presented by Shell USA, Inc.
Thanks to our incredible community, sponsors and supporters, the event has raised more than $175,000 and counting toward our $300,000 goal. These funds provide scholarships, mentoring, internships and other resources that help students get to and through college. We are especially grateful to our sponsors whose commitment to education and opportunity helps make this impact possible: Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, CenterPoint Energy, CITGO, Enterprise Mobility, ExxonMobil, H-E-B, Motiva, and Shell USA, Inc.
Participants of all ages walked, ran and cheered, while supporters who couldn’t attend made an impact through team fundraising, volunteering and virtual participation. Together, we’re strengthening UNCF’s member institutions, including four Texas HBCUs: Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College, and Wiley University. And the impact continues!
There’s still time to donate through October 30th for a chance to win Southwest Airlines vouchers. Every dollar brings us closer to our $300,000 goal and helps more students achieve their college dreams. Your support helps make higher education possible for deserving students and provides critical scholarships and resources to help students get to and through college.
👉 Donate today and support students on their journey to a college degree.
View photos from the 2026 UNCF Houston Walk for Education!
Thank You for an Incredible Night!
To everyone who attended the 36th annual “A Mind Is…”Gala—thank you. Because of you, this year’s celebration was a tremendous success. We are still glowing from the unforgettable entertainment, the delicious food, and, most importantly, the powerful sense of community that filled the room. Seeing so many of our supporters come together in support of UNCF’s mission truly made the evening extraordinary.
Browse the event highlights in our photo gallery here: UNCFGala 2025 + Right Time Solutions by Right Time Solutions.
Thank you again for standing with us, for believing in brighter futures, and for showing that you stand proudly with UNCF in declaring that “a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
Donor Spotlight: Champions of Opportunity
AMI Society Pinning at the ‘A Mind Is…®’ Houston Gala. (L to R) Therese Badon, Senior Vice President, Southern, UNCF; Zarinah K. Poole, Area Development Director, Houston, UNCF; Diana White; and Elijah White.
Elijah and Diana White
Longtime partners of UNCF South Texas – Houston, this couple’s giving journey began with a simple invitation to support the UNCF Walk for Education. He is a retired ExxonMobil leader, and she is a University of Houston professor dedicated to shaping future scholars.
They served as Chairs of the 2017 UNCF ‘A Mind Is…’ Gala – Houston and most recently contributed to the 2025 Gala, continuing their impactful legacy.
Their philosophy: “Every contribution matters. When we support students, we shape the future.”
Mark your calendars for the 17th Annual UNCF San Antonio Leaders’ Luncheon on Wednesday, February 10, 2027!
Following the tremendous success of last year’s luncheon, we look forward to once again bringing together San Antonio’s business, civic and community leaders for an inspiring afternoon dedicated to expanding educational opportunities and building a strong workforce pipeline of college graduates across our region.
View Pictures from Last Year’s Event
Host a UNCF Sunday or Day of Worship For generations, churches have been pillars of support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), helping to uplift students through faith, community, and education.
The UNCF Interfaith & Education Initiative honors this legacy by partnering with houses of worship nationwide to raise critical scholarship funds and inspire the next generation of church leaders, ministers, and engaged members of faith communities.
Join us in this mission by hosting a UNCF Sunday or Day of Worship at your church. It’s a powerful opportunity to celebrate faith, education, and service—all while making a tangible difference in the lives of students striving for a brighter future.
Ready to get involved? Email Christy Salinas at Christy.Salinas@UNCF.org to learn more about how your congregation can take part.
UNCF HOUSTON 2026 LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
News and Information
Did You Know?
UNCF Houston area office serves Southeast Texas (including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and the Golden Triangle) and New Mexico. UNCF’s 4 Texas member institutions include Huston-Tillotson University, Jarvis Christian University, Texas College and Wiley University. However, UNCF supports students at the four-year accredited school of their choosing and its 36-member institutions to keep their academic programs strong and their tuitions/fees affordable.
UNCF Houston Staff
