The UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Empower Me Tour® (EMT) is returning to Los Angeles on Friday, November 15, at Hyatt Regency LAX to award thousands of dollars in college scholarships to local high school students. EMT is a free college-and-career-readiness roadshow that travels the country, providing a platform for high school students to earn on-site scholarships and admission to the nation’s top historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Thousands of dollars will be awarded, on the spot, to Los Angeles area high school graduating seniors in attendance.
UNCF is the largest scholarship provider to students of color in the United States, awarding more than $100 million annually in scholarships to more than 7,200 students across the country.
Last year Corona, CA native, Brionna McGhee attended the Empower Me Tour and won several scholarships. She is now a freshman at Xavier University in New Orleans, majoring in elementary education. “I had an overwhelming amount of emotions winning these scholarships and going so far away from home,” she says. “But my advice is that, no matter where you are from, or your current situation, even if you think that you won’t make it, find your strength and be resilient; I had never set foot in New Orleans. The transition from California to here was difficult at first, but it’s the best decision I ever made.”
Through partnerships with the city of Los Angeles and national sponsors Wells Fargo, Target, P&G, Disney and FedEx, UNCF’s Empower Me Tour is able to offer the full college fair experience with access to recruiters from HBCUs, college prep workshops, dynamic presenters and award-winning educational experts. Students will have an opportunity to apply for college admission, financial aid and scholarships, including the EMT Merit Scholarship, which are awarded on the spot.
“EMT is a wonderful program that Wells Fargo is tremendously proud to sponsor. For more than 10 years, Wells Fargo team members across the country have supported thousands of deserving students. We look forward to helping more students pursue their higher education goals this year,” said Sharon Murphy, executive vice president and head of End-User and Collaboration Services Technology at Wells Fargo and a UNCF national board member.
The November 15 EMT tour stop is slated for 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency LAX, 6225 West Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045.
For more information, visit EmpowerMeTour.org. You can also follow EMT on social media @UNCF and #EmpowerMeTour.
