Empowering Future Leaders: UNCF and AUCC Join Forces at the 2023 Career Fair
For decades, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been dedicated to supporting students of color in their educational and career journeys. This year, the UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) embarked on its Fall 2023 Tour with an extraordinary collaboration, partnering with the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUCC) for the 2023 AUCC Career Fair on September 15th. The event was a remarkable opportunity for students to connect with companies and organizations, bridging the gap between education and employment.
(Photo courtesy: UNCF )
The UNCF Empower Me Tour: Bridging the Gap
The UNCF Empower Me Tour (EMT) is a vital initiative that provides college-and-career-readiness opportunities to students. This year, it returned as an in-person event for its Fall 2023 Tour. EMT was founded 15 years ago by Wells Fargo, the founding sponsor, with the aim of inspiring students to pursue higher education, empowering them to graduate with the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers.
(Photo courtesy: UNCF )
The 2023 AUCC Career Fair: A Platform for Success
The 2023 AUCC Career Fair was held at AmericasMart, Building 2, on September 15th, and it was nothing short of inspiring. Students from the Atlanta University Center eagerly boarded buses to the venue, where they registered and explored opportunities with over 250 participating organizations, including Fortune 500 corporations, innovative companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. The atmosphere was electric as students engaged with industry leaders.
Courtney Sykes, a senior at Clark Atlanta University, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m so inspired to jumpstart my career. Opportunities like this are such a blessing to us students.” The event provided a much-needed morale boost for students who had faced challenges, including the Atlanta flood.
Learning from Experts: Panels and Scholarships
In addition to the Career Fair, AUCC students had the privilege of attending a panel discussion on September 14th at Clark Atlanta University. Distinguished panelists included Melissa Mitchell, Chief Artistic Director & Founder of Abeille Creations; Satchel Jester, Journalist & Creative Director; Markell Byrd, Senior VP & Diverse Segment Leader at Wells Fargo; and Jonathan Martin, 11 Alive News Anchor. Following the panel discussion, students dined with these influential figures and other industry influencers.
(Photo courtesy: UNCF )
Wells Fargo surprised 15 students with $1,500 scholarships, highlighting the commitment of organizations to invest in the future leaders of tomorrow. Michael Hodge, Executive Director of Atlanta University Center Consortium, Inc., emphasized the urgency of putting innovators, leaders, and creative professionals to work in addressing global challenges.
Empowerment and Support
Students attending EMT events received valuable insights on job interviews, personal finances, empowerment, and personal branding. Beyond Wells Fargo, the UNCF EMT received sponsorship from The Coca-Cola Co., Milwaukee Public Schools System, and Procter & Gamble, along with national sponsors such as Best Buy, FedEx, Kaiser Permanente, Toyota, and the Walton Family Foundation. Since its inception, UNCF EMT has awarded over $25 million in scholarships and positively impacted thousands of students.
(Photo courtesy: UNCF )
Join the Movement
The UNCF Empower Me Tour continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for students seeking to excel in their careers. For more information on the UNCF Empower Me Tour and to register for free, visit EmpowerMeTour.org. Join the conversation on social media: @UNCF #EmpowerMeTour.
About AUCC
The Atlanta University Center Consortium, comprising Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Spelman College, is the world’s oldest and largest association of historically Black colleges and universities. With a rich tradition of scholarship, service, and community engagement, AUCC continues to nurture intellectual growth and excellence.
(Photo courtesy: UNCF )
About UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. UNCF supports students through scholarships and programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and historically Black colleges and universities play a pivotal role in higher education, awarding a significant percentage of degrees to Black students in various fields. UNCF administers numerous programs to support over 60,000 students at colleges and universities across the country, embodying its motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”
This incredible collaboration between UNCF and AUCC at the 2023 Career Fair symbolizes a commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators. These initiatives serve as beacons of hope and opportunities for students of color, bridging the gap between education and successful careers.
Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
