Students can apply for the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year until March 27
McDonald’s has remained committed to feeding and supporting communities when they need it most, starting with a hot meal and a smile. As part of this commitment, the company has long supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through departmental funding, sports sponsorships and scholarships.
For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Golden Arches, together with its owners/operators and partners, will increase resources and investments for more HBCU students through the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program, providing access to mental health resources and awarding $1 million in scholarships, up from $500,000 in 2022. College students should be able to focus on their studies and create lifelong memories with new friends, but socioeconomic concerns and related to the pandemic continue to impact Black students at HBCUs, leaving many in need of financial and mental health assistance. As reported in a May 2022 study by the American Psychological Association, “HBCU students report student loan repayment, financial aid and education, and future education expenses as the top factors contributing to stress.” Thus, McDonald’s has partnered with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Alkeme relieve some of that pressure.
“As HBCU students invest in their future and their passions, McDonald’s and its franchisees remain committed to providing the tools and resources they need to help them succeed,” Courtney said.
Holeman, Greater Richmond, Virginia McDonald’s franchisee. “Through meaningful partnerships like this, we can ensure that students are well-equipped to confidently manage their finances and take care of their mental health on their journey to academic success.”
Recipients will also receive a one-year subscription to Alkeme, a black-owned streaming platform that offers wellness classes led by therapists and experts, guided meditation sessions and live streaming centered on the black experience. Through this new partnership with Alkeme, students will be able to access personalized and curated content and resources that center the HBCU experience and enable students to achieve their personal goals.
Applications are open until March 27, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST for incoming and current HBCU students at www.tmcf.orgthe winners being announced in the summer of 2023.
“Building a community of culturally competent practitioners who truly understand and represent the black experience is important to better meet the needs of black students,” said Ryan Mundy, founder of Alkeme Health. “We want to empower our community to be the best and highest versions of themselves, and that’s why we’re honored to partner with McDonald’s to help break down barriers to mental health for people. HBCU students and providing resources to inspire wellness.”
Launched in 2020 to help HBCU students across the country overcome financial barriers to obtaining an education amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program is committed to supporting and to empower the next generation of leaders across the country through support money and resources.
“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is dedicated to helping transform the lives of HBCU students by preparing them for the next generation of leadership in the workplace and in life,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and Chief of the administration of Thurgood Marshall College. Funds (TMCF). “We, alongside our partners of more than 20 years at McDonald’s, remain committed to providing the support necessary for Black students to succeed at all levels.”
Students interested in applying for the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be 18 or older
- Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior attending an HBCU during the 2023-2024 school year
- Have a current cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher
- Demonstrate leadership abilities and financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551
To learn more about our Black & Positively Golden movement and scholarship, follow @We are gold on Instagram and visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com.
About the author of the article
#BPRW #McDonalds #USA #Partners #Thurgood #Marshall #College #Fund #TMCF #Alkeme #Strengthen #Commitment #Support #Financial #Mental #Health #HBCU #Students #Chicago #Defender