UNCF North Texas Hosts the 5th Annual Walk for Education 5K, Raising $100,000 to Support HBCUs and Students
| ARLINGTON, TX (Nov. 11, 2026) — The recent 5th Annual Walk for Education 5K was a huge success. The event raised $100,000 and featured premier sponsors Texas Capital and Simmons Bank, as well as a passing-of-the-torch ceremony honoring co-chairs Stephanie Bowers, Texas Capital Director of Community Relations, North Texas and Stacy Bowers, Simmons Bank Texas Division Community Affairs Officer.
Additional sponsors of the UNCF North Texas Walk for Education 5K included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Beverages and Rockwall Automotive. More than 250 participants came together to get moving and help raise over $100,000 in unrestricted funds to support college students and educational resources while highlighting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Dr. Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, President and CEO of Jarvis Christian University, elevated the event with an inspiring message about the importance of investing in education and HBCUs, including Jarvis Christian University, a UNCF North Texas member institution. Workout expert and influencer Coach JJ then energized participants with a dynamic warm-up. The milestone event was strengthened by the generous support of Texas Capital and Simmons Bank. Texas Capital provided its Mobile Center to deliver on-site resources, while Simmons Bank contributed giveaways for participants. Co-chairs Stephanie Bowers and Stacy Bowers were also recognized for their leadership and commitment to the event’s success. “UNCF is proud to continue the momentum of fueling HBCUs with vital resources to educate generations of students who will become future leaders in our nation,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF. “Thanks to the generous support and commitment of our donors, we are moving forward as we help students get to and through college and achieve successful careers. We thank everyone in the North Texas market who participated in the 5th Annual UNCF Walk for Education 5K to help ensure better futures for us all.” The Walk for Education is still accepting donations. To learn more or donate, please visit UNCF North Texas. XXX
About UNCF UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective supporters of higher education and serves as a leading advocate for college-bound students. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support access to higher education, provide scholarships and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards more than 11,000 scholarships totaling more than $62 million. These scholarships support students attending more than 600 U.S.-based colleges and universities, including 36 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students get to and through college. We believe a college education plays a vital role in strengthening the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society. Our logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education, and our widely recognized trademark is “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org or follow UNCF on Instagram for ongoing updates and news. |