UNCF's 42nd Annual Chicago Walk for Education to Support Minority Student Scholarships

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 members to support educational opportunities 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 profound impact of scholarships, stating, "For every one kid we give a scholarship to, there are five more who need it. We know for a fact that the average $5000 scholarship can, for a first-generation college student, singularly change the life of their family." This underscores the event's significance in addressing educational disparities and creating pathways to higher education for underrepresented communities.

Participants can register for a 5K walk/run or a 10K bike/skate either individually or as part of a team through uncf.org/chicagowalk. The event will feature music, dancing, food, and family activities, creating a community celebration while supporting a vital cause. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will chair the Walk, which will be emceed by media personalities including Davante "Stone Pony" Stone, Frankie Robinson, and Tamera Fair.

The 2025 Walk honors several community leaders as Grand Marshals, 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 with UNCF 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 supports over 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities nationwide, with its member institutions awarding 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.