Scholarship annually supports 12 HBCU students pursuing hospitality careers

(Black PR Wire) Students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and pursuing careers in the hospitality industry can apply for a $5,000 scholarship, thanks to the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA) and their partner, Dr Pepper Snapple Group. For the past seven years, they have partnered with UNCF to positively impact the lives of 62 HBCU students through the NBMOA Dr Pepper Hospitality Scholars Program. The 2017-18 scholarship application opened in March and closes Friday, June 16. 

“As an African American organization, it is critically important to us that we offer an opportunity that directly supports students at HBCUs,” said NBMOA Executive Director, Brenda Powe. “HBCUs have always been there for African American students and the community, and we want them to remain a part of the nation’s higher education system for decades to come. We will do all we can to support future professionals in the hospitality industry attending these historic institutions.” NBMOA was established in 1972 as a way to gather a forum for Black leaders who run McDonald’s franchises to collectively address issues within the communities they live and work. Today, NBMOA is comprised of more than 300 franchisees in nearly all 50 states, many of whom are HBCU graduates. 

“UNCF is deeply appreciative to the NBMOA and Dr Pepper for living up to the true meaning of the Swahili word ‘Ujima,’ by building and maintaining our community together, making our brothers’ problems our own, and solving them together,” said Dr. Lomax. “We thank the leaders and members of the NMBOA for their continued investment in better futures for deserving HBCU students, some of whom may become future McDonald’s operators.” 

The NBMOA Dr Pepper Hospitality Scholars Program is open to African American rising college freshmen, sophomores and juniors attending any accredited HBCU. Students must have a 2.8 GPA, demonstrate financial need, and must major in accounting, business, hospitality management, hotel management, marketing, or restaurant management. For a full list of eligibility criteria and to apply, visit here. 

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About the NBMOA
For nearly 50 years, the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association (NBMOA) has given back to the communities they serve by providing scholarships, donating time and money to local school districts, hiring minority youth and much more. Today, NBMOA is one of the largest and most successful African American business organizations in the nation. 

About UNCF 
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation's largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students' education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 20 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF annually awards $100 million in scholarships and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous news and updates, follow UNCF on Twitter, @UNCF.