Roland S. Martin is teaming up with McDonald’s USA to help out Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

According to an official press release, the partnership will distribute over $100,000 in scholarships to shining juniors and seniors attending HBCUs. The contribution will celebrate Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and their 115 years of scholarship and Black excellence. The aim is to ensure the financial challenges impacting many HBCU students will be addressed by providing financial relief.

“HBCUs and their students are vital to the fabric of our nation and I will always champion for their success,” said the media mogul and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Roland S. Martin, in a statement. “I’ve witnessed first-hand the financial struggle that impacts Black college students, especially those in their final semesters. So, I’m pleased to partner with McDonald’s and TMCF to celebrate my beloved fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, and provide a resource that will help Black students graduate.”

To create a more hopeful future for HBCU students, seven juniors and seniors will receive $15,000 scholarships for the 2022-2023 academic year through a joint effort from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The financial backing will support the fraternity and McDonald’s shared belief that students should receive relief to spearhead educational pursuits and find community.

“We know the outstanding work being done at HBCUs, which is why our team is devoted to use our scale and resources to expand educational opportunities for Black students,” said Reginald J. Miller, Vice President and Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at McDonald’s. “Our hope is that this scholarship effort helps build and support the pipeline of diverse talent that will go on to be changemakers in our society for decades to come.”

Eligibility Requirements

Students looking to apply must be:

  • At least 18 years of age, enrolled as a junior or senior at a TMCF member institution and private HBCUs in Fall 2022
  • Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher
  • Submit a brief essay on how they demonstrate Black excellence and leadership within their campus community
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.

Students can start their applications now on the Thurgood Marshall College Fund website at TMCF.org. 

Recipients will be announced by the start of the Fall 2022 semester.

Students Will Have An Opportunity To Learn From McDonald's Executives

The partnership will continue to benefit students by providing a personalized experience with McDonald’s executives working in their field of study. The added provision will provide resources to ensure students receive expertise applicable to their professional careers.

“For more than two decades, we’ve worked with McDonald’s to provide critical resources to students when they need it most. Matriculating through college can be tough, and funds to support navigating that journey is a crucial part of ensuring graduation is attainable,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, according to a press release. “And we’re excited to extend our partnership with this scholarship to offer even more funds to HBCU students next year.”