UNCF Chicago Hosts 42nd Annual Walk for Education to Support Scholarships for Underrepresented Students

The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will hold its 42nd Annual Chicago Walk for Education on September 13, 2025, at Burnham Park, serving as the organization's premier grassroots fundraising initiative to provide crucial support for colleges, universities, and students through individual, corporate, and group donations. According to Lisa Rollins, UNCF Development Director, "For every one kid we give a scholarship to, there are five more who need it," highlighting the critical funding gap that events like this help address. The average $5,000 scholarship can singularly change the life of a first-generation college student and their family, making community participation essential for expanding educational opportunities.

Event participants can register for a 5K walk/run or a 10K bike/skate individually, join a team, or form their own team online at https://www.uncf.org/chicagowalk or on-site starting at 7:00 a.m. on race day, with the event kicking off at 9:00 a.m. featuring music, dancing, food, and family activities. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will chair the Walk, which will be emceed by Omni Channel Radio Personality Davante "Stone Pony" Stone along with media personalities Frankie Robinson and Tamera Fair, demonstrating broad community and leadership support for the cause.

The 2025 Walk honors Grand Marshals including Dr. Macquline King, Interim Superintendent/CEO of Chicago Public Schools; Reggie Summerise, President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council Chicago; Lady Vynessa Alexander of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc.; Donavon Isaac "JukieThaKidd," DJ and community influencer; and media personality Frankie Robinson. The Chicago chapter of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, led by Reggie Summerise, is partnering to mobilize its Divine Nine organizations in support of scholarships and educational opportunities, amplifying the reach and impact of the fundraising efforts.

UNCF's top priority is to increase the total number of underrepresented college graduates by ensuring more students are college-ready, enroll in college, and continue to graduation, addressing systemic educational disparities. As the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization, UNCF supports students' education through scholarships and programs while strengthening its 37 member colleges and universities, which 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 despite representing only 3% of all colleges and universities.