Next week, units across the University of Kentucky campus will participate in the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) National Walk for Education. The Walk for Education is a nationwide initiative to raise funds UNCF needs to support their historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) members and to help minority students pursue their educational endeavors.

With a mission to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of underrepresented students, UNCF hopes to create a respected model of best practices in moving students to and through college.

“We have a responsibility to support the dreams and goals of talented young men and women who have financial restraints that deny them access to a college education,” Steven A. Miller, UNCF area development director, said. “Remember that this event would not be possible without your commitment and hard work. Your support and participation are even more critical this year during today’s challenging climate as UNCF, our institutions, students and families face the daunting task of raising funds and paying for college. So have fun in making preparations and thank you for believing ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in!’”

With more and more students looking to pursue higher education, more students are coming to UNCF for help. UNCF administers more than 400 scholarship, fellowship and institutional grants at approximately 1,100 colleges across the country that support students at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

This year, UNCF will also award grant money to predominately white institutions (PWI’s), along with their member HBCU’s. This means that students who wish to attend UK are now eligible to receive funding, relieving economic burdens for minority students at the university.

Participants can make a difference — walking, running, cycling — all in honor of UNCF, students and schools.

The walk will take place from 9 a.m. until noon Saturday, Sept. 17, and will start at Consolidated Baptist Church.

The entire Lexington community is invited to team up with family, friends and co-workers to raise funds. To register, visit http://UNCF.org/LexingtonWalk. Registration for the event is $25.