UNCF Gala's Record $800K to Fuel HBCU Student Success in New England

BOSTON, MA – March 19, 2026 – A record-breaking $800,000 was raised at the 2026 UNCF “A Mind Is…”® New England Gala, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing mission to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the students they serve. Held at the Seaport Hotel Boston on March 12, the event brought together more than 250 of the region's corporate visionaries, community leaders, and advocates, all united by the goal of making higher education more accessible and affordable.

The funds, which surpassed the previous year's total of $750,000, will provide critical scholarships and resources to talented students across New England and beyond, alleviating the financial burdens that often stand in the way of a college degree. The evening's theme, “From Promise to Prosperity: UNCF Lights the Way,” underscored the organization's enduring legacy and its forward-looking vision.

“For more than 80 years, UNCF has recognized that an investment in talented students and our nation’s HBCUs is an investment in our collective future,” said Arleaya Martin, area development director for UNCF New England. “We continue to light the way by providing students with the scholarships, resources and career pathways necessary to turn a life-changing education into a reality.”

Honoring Champions of Educational Equity

The gala celebrated three distinguished honorees for their profound impact on educational equity and community development: Demond Martin, former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and Pamela Everhart.

Pamela Everhart, Senior Vice President at Fidelity Investments®, was celebrated for her instrumental role in one of the most significant corporate commitments to educational equity in recent history. Everhart has been a driving force behind Fidelity's Invest in My Education (ME)℠ initiative, a $250 million program launched in 2023. As part of this commitment, Fidelity made a historic $190 million donation to UNCF, the largest in the organization's history. The program is designed to provide need-based, last-dollar scholarships and comprehensive support services to 50,000 underrepresented students over five years, with a particular focus on those with GPAs between 2.5 and 3.5 who are often overlooked for traditional scholarships.

Governor Charlie Baker was honored for his leadership in fostering direct career pipelines for students. His support was crucial in launching two innovative UNCF internship programs that provide students with invaluable access and experience within Boston's highly competitive asset management and life sciences sectors. This work complements his broader educational legacy in the state, which includes signing the landmark Student Opportunity Act in 2019, a law that committed an additional $1.5 billion over seven years to address funding inequities in K-12 public education.

Demond Martin was also recognized for his exemplary efforts to alleviate inequities in education and healthcare for underserved communities, reflecting a deep commitment to philanthropic work that addresses systemic challenges.

The Ripple Effect: Corporate Commitment and HBCU Impact

The success of the gala was bolstered by a powerful coalition of corporate sponsors, reflecting a growing understanding that investing in HBCUs is a direct investment in a diverse and skilled workforce. Gold sponsors included Adage Capital Management, Delta Air Lines, Fidelity Investments®, The Kraft Group, and Wellington Management.

This corporate support extends far beyond a single night. Fidelity's partnership represents a long-term, strategic investment in economic mobility. Similarly, Adage Capital Management, another gold sponsor, recently made a $10 million gift to launch Project ACCLAIM (Accelerating Learning in Asset Investment Management) at Morehouse College and Howard University. This initiative is explicitly designed to cultivate a robust pipeline of HBCU students for careers in the financial services sector, aiming to close the wealth gap for minority communities.

These investments are critical for institutions that have an outsized impact on the American economy and social mobility. According to UNCF's 2024 report, “Transforming Futures: The Economic Engines of HBCUs,” these institutions collectively generate a $16.5 billion economic impact and support over 136,000 jobs annually. Crucially, HBCUs are engines of upward mobility, proving more successful than other institutions at moving students from the bottom 40% of the income distribution to the top 60%.

Despite their significant contributions, HBCUs have been chronically underfunded. Philanthropic efforts like the New England Gala are essential in bridging this gap. UNCF scholarship recipients demonstrate the power of this support, boasting a 70% six-year graduation rate—significantly higher than the 41% national average for all African American college students.

From Promise to Prosperity in New England

While the impact is national, the focus remains intensely local. In the 2022-2023 academic year alone, UNCF New England provided 210 scholarships totaling $1.3 million to students of color in the region. Diego Aviles, senior vice president for the UNCF Northeast, noted that over the last five years, UNCF has raised nearly $18 million for students and HBCUs in the Greater Boston area.

This funding creates tangible pathways from the classroom to a career, empowering a new generation of leaders. The evening's entertainment, provided by Soul of Boston, added a celebratory note to an event centered on a serious purpose: ensuring that potential is not limited by financial circumstances.

“UNCF remains a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between potential and opportunity,” said Diego Aviles. “With the support of our visionary partners, we continue to envision a nation where all students have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive careers and engaged citizenship.”