UNCF

Dr. Corey Wiggins has been named as the 15th president of UNCF-member institution Tougaloo College. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience from higher education, public service, economic development, philanthropy and civil rights advocacy to the esteemed HBCU. “It is a privilege to serve this remarkable institution, where generations of leaders have been inspired to think critically, lead courageously and make a lasting difference in the world,” Dr. Wiggins said.

An esteemed alumna of Oakwood University, a UNCF member school, recently established a UNCF scholarship fund to support students at her alma mater. “Education is key,” said Dr. Erogers Hykes, Ph.D., a major gifts donor to UNCF and a board member of the Association of Black Educators of New York (ABENY).

Navigating the world of college funding can be confusing and frustrating. But you’re not alone. UNCF is here to guide you through the process and share scholarship resources that can help make your college dream a reality. UNCF’s Outreach and Recruitment team hosts free monthly webinars providing information on scholarships, internships and other college and career readiness opportunities. The webinars will begin again in September.

The 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, also known as ESSENCE Fest, was held in New Orleans, LA, this weekend, July 3-5. ESSENCE Fest, which started in 1995 to celebrate ESSENCE Magazine’s 25th anniversary, expanded into the nation’s largest annual African American culture event. The well-known “party with a purpose” honors Black culture, music, empowerment and more over a massive three-day gathering.

Wilberforce University’s Historic District has officially been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s list of historic properties worthy of preservation, according to a university press release. Wilberforce University, founded in 1856, was the nation’s first private historically Black college and university (HBCU) and the first college entirely owned and operated by African Americans.

The 11th annual Black Enterprise BE Smart HBCU Hackathon, hosted by Toyota, will be held on Nov. 18-20, 2026 in Charlotte, NC. The hackathon brings together 200 students from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for a competition that combines collaboration, quick thinking, failing and learning fast and articulating ideas in public. HBCU juniors and seniors majoring in computer science, engineering and cybersecurity are encouraged to apply.

Media Contact Roy Betts UNCF Communications 240.703.3384 roy.betts@uncf.org UNCF is proud to announce the return of UNITE 2026, the nation’s most influential annual gathering of HBCU leaders, advocates, funders and thought leaders committed to advancing excellence, sustainability and transformation in higher education.

UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building (ICB) announced the launch of the HBCU Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Accelerator, a multi-year effort to help historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) build sustainable, career-connected learning pathways to improve student success and institutional capacity. The initiative is supported by catalytic grants from JPMorganChase and Lumina Foundation.

Attorney Reginald J. Brown’s commitment to UNCF is rooted in his educational journey. From an early age, he was supported by a community that rallied around him, helping set him on a path to Harvard University, a career in law, and a strong commitment to giving back.

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward. Here’s how to do it with confidence and walk away with a letter that bolsters your college application. College applications require a lot: essays, transcripts, test scores and extracurricular activity lists. But one of the most important elements is the letter of recommendation. A great one tells admissions officers something your GPA simply cannot. A weak one can undercut an otherwise strong application. The good news?