The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation will donate $5,000 to the Chicago Chapter of the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) on behalf of WGN-TV, the Nexstar Broadcasting television station serving the Chicago area.
The donation will be used to fund scholarships for students attending a range of historically Black colleges and universities throughout the United States.
UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognised pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that its network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.
UNCF annually awards more than $100 million scholarships to more than 10,000 students and provides significant financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities across the country. It also serves as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.
“WGN-TV has a history of supporting the Chicago Chapter of the UNCF,” said Paul Rennie, Vice President and General Manager of WGN-TV.
“The pandemic has been very tough on organisations like the UNCF, preventing them from doing the traditional fundraising they would otherwise be able to do. In many cases, a scholarship from the UNCF can make the difference between getting a college education or staying home—the need is great, especially now.
“Giving back to the communities served by Nexstar in 114 markets across the country is core to the company’s mission and we are proud to make this $5,000 donation on behalf of Chicago’s Very Own, WGN-TV Channel 9, Nexstar Media Group, and all of Nexstar’s 13,000 employees.”
Commenting on the donation, Priscilla Stratten, Development Director of the Chicago Chapter of the UNCF said; “The COVID-19 outbreak hit suddenly and left all of us reeling. For 76 years, UNCF has helped more than half a million students graduate from college, and we can’t and won’t allow today’s challenge to overwhelm such vital and significant progress.
“UNCF Chicago would like to thank Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation and WGN-TV for their generous contribution in support of scholarships and keeping our 37-member schools viable during these unpresented times.
“While UNCF, HBCUs and our students are in uncharted waters, we will persevere together with our generous partners such as Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation, who make our work possible and believe so strongly in our mission.”
The Nexstar Media Charitable Foundation’s mission is to contribute to and work with public charities and non-profit organisations to improve the communities in which Nexstar Media and its subsidiaries do business.
The foundation was originally established in 1958 and it makes donations of approximately $350,000 annually.