The United Negro College Fund will host its 42nd Annual Chicago Walk for Education on September 13, 2025, at Burnham Park, highlighting the ongoing need for scholarship support for minority 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 group donors.
Lisa Rollins, UNCF Development Director, emphasized the critical funding gap, stating that for every student receiving a scholarship, five more need financial assistance. Research indicates that the average $5,000 scholarship can singularly change the life of a first-generation college student and their family, underscoring the event's importance in addressing educational inequities.
Event participants can register for a 5K walk/run or 10K bike/skate individually, join a team, or form their own team through uncf.org/chicagowalk. The Chicago chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, led by President Reggie Summerise, is partnering to mobilize its Divine Nine organizations in support of scholarships and educational opportunities.
The event will feature Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle as chairs, with media personalities including Omni Channel Radio Personality Davante Stone, Frankie Robinson, and Tamera Fair. The 2025 Walk honors several community leaders as Grand Marshals, recognizing their contributions to educational advancement.
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. As the nation's largest minority education organization, UNCF supports over 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities nationwide through more than 400 programs including scholarships, internships, fellowships, and mentoring initiatives.
Despite UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities representing only 3% of all colleges, they 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. The organization's widespread impact demonstrates the critical role such fundraising events play in maintaining educational access and opportunity for underrepresented communities.
