McDonald’s has remained dedicated to feeding and fostering communities after they want it most, beginning with a heat meal and a smile.
As a part of this dedication, the corporate has lengthy supported Traditionally Black Schools and Universities (HBCUs) by way of departmental funding, sports activities sponsorships and pupil scholarships.
For the 2023-2024 tutorial 12 months, the Golden Arches, with its Proprietor/Operators and companions, will improve assets and funding to extra HBCU college students by way of the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program, offering entry to psychological well being assets and awarding $1 million in scholarships, up from $500,000 in 2022. School college students ought to have the ability to give attention to their research and create unforgettable reminiscences with new pals, however socioeconomic and pandemic-related considerations proceed to influence Black college students at HBCUs, leaving many in want of economic and psychological well being support. As acknowledged in a Could 2022 examine by the American Psychological Affiliation, “HBCU college students report that pupil mortgage compensation, monetary help and training, and future academic bills, are main contributing components to emphasize.” So, McDonald’s partnered with Thurgood Marshall School Fund (TMCF) and Alkeme to alleviate a few of this stress.
“As HBCU college students spend money on their future and passions, McDonald’s and its franchisees stay dedicated to offering the instruments and assets they should assist them succeed, “mentioned Courtney Holeman, Higher Richmond, Va. McDonald’s Franchisee.
“By significant partnerships like this, we will guarantee college students are well-equipped to confidently handle their funds and care for his or her psychological well being on their journey to tutorial success.”
Recipients can even obtain a year-long subscription to Alkeme, a Black-owned streaming platform that gives therapist and expert-led wellbeing programs, guided meditation and livestream periods centered across the Black expertise. By this new partnership with Alkeme, college students will have the ability to entry curated personalized content material and assets that heart the HBCU expertise and empower college students to attain their private targets.
Functions are open now by way of March 27, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST to incoming and present HBCU college students at tmcf.org, with winners being introduced in Summer season 2023.
“It’s necessary to construct a neighborhood of culturally competent practitioners who really perceive and signify the Black expertise to finest assist the wants of Black college students,” mentioned Ryan Mundy, founding father of Alkeme Well being. “We wish to empower our neighborhood to be the very best and highest variations of themselves, and that’s the reason we’re honored to companion with McDonald’s to assist take away psychological well being boundaries for HBCU college students and supply assets to encourage wellness.”
Launched in 2020 to assist HBCU college students throughout the nation break by way of monetary boundaries of attaining training within the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program is dedicated to supporting and empowering the subsequent era of leaders throughout the nation by way of financial assist and assets.
“The Thurgood Marshall School Fund is devoted to serving to rework the lives of scholars at HBCUs by making ready them for the subsequent era of management within the workforce and in life,” mentioned Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall School Fund (TMCF).
“We, alongside our greater than 20-yearlong companions at McDonald’s, stay dedicated to offering the assist wanted for Black college students to succeed in any respect ranges.”
College students considering making use of for the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program should meet the next eligibility necessities:
Be 18 years previous or older
Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior attending an HBCU throughout the 2023-2024 tutorial college 12 months
Have a present cumulative grade level common of two.7 or greater
Reveal management talents and monetary want
Be a U.S. citizen or authorized everlasting resident with a sound everlasting resident card or passport stamped I-551
To be taught extra about our Black & Positively Golden motion and scholarship, observe @wearegolden on Instagram and go to www.blackandpositivelygolden.com.