I heard a statistic this morning that the unemployment rate is currently twice as high among those without college degrees compared to those with college degrees. The playing field is not level out there. Those with education have a brighter future as professionals and as tomorrow’s leaders. Because they are given more opportunities, they will achieve greater successes.
As I approach another milestone birthday at the end of this month, I have been reflecting back on the opportunities that I have been given, opportunities that would not have been available to me if I had not graduated from college. What I learned – and, more importantly, how I learned – prepared me for a future that is as big and bright as I choose to make it.
It is for this reason, from this position of gratitude, that I am a strong proponent of education. I am particularly passionate about the United Negro College Fund. UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. They provide operating funds for historically black colleges and universities as well as scholarships and internships for students at about 900 institutions.
I believe every child has a right to pursue his or her dreams for success. Whatever those dreams may entail, a college education will make them richer. So I ask you to please join me in support of UNCF as they continue to achieve their goal of raising funds for the best and brightest among us despite their financial challenges.
Help support these young people. There is no better time than the present to start re-shaping the future. For more information or to make donation, please visit http://give.uncf.org/reshapethefuture.
re-S.H.A.P.E. the future™
Clifford A. Bailey