UNCF Chicago Hosts 42nd Annual Walk for Education to Support Underrepresented Students
The United Negro College Fund's 42nd Annual Chicago Walk for Education raises critical scholarship funds that transform lives of first-generation college students and addresses educational disparities.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will hold its 42nd Annual Chicago Walk for Education on September 13, 2025, at Burnham Park, bringing together community leaders and participants to support educational opportunities for underrepresented students. The event serves as UNCF's premier grassroots fundraising initiative, providing crucial support to colleges, universities, and students through contributions from individuals, corporations, and various group donors.
Lisa Rollins, UNCF Development Director, emphasized the transformative impact of scholarships, stating that "the average $5000 scholarship can, for a first-generation college student, singularly change the life of their family." She noted the ongoing need for support, revealing that "for every one kid we give a scholarship to, there are five more who need it," highlighting the persistent educational funding gap affecting minority communities.
The event features multiple participation options, including a 5K walk/run or a 10K bike/skate, with participants able to register individually, join a team, or form their own team through uncf.org/chicagowalk. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will chair the Walk, which will be emceed by media personalities including Omni Channel Radio Personality Davante "Stone Pony" Stone, Frankie Robinson, and Tamera Fair.
The 2025 Walk honors several Grand Marshals representing educational and community leadership, including Dr. Macquline King, Interim Superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools, and Reggie Summerise, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Chicago. The Chicago chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council is partnering to mobilize its Divine Nine organizations in support of scholarships and educational opportunities, demonstrating broad community engagement.
UNCF's mission focuses on increasing the total number of underrepresented college graduates by ensuring more students are college-ready, enroll in college, and continue to graduation. The organization's work addresses significant educational disparities, as UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities award 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 despite comprising only 3% of all colleges and universities.
The event represents a critical community effort to address educational inequality and provide life-changing opportunities for students who might otherwise lack access to higher education. Through events like the Walk for Education, UNCF continues its decades-long commitment to supporting minority education and college readiness across the nation.