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A recent report from the U.S. Department of Education revealed that Jackson State University and Tougaloo College rank among the top five institutions nationwide for federal student loan debt. This alarming statistic underscores the financial challenges faced by students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), especially in states like Mississippi where median incomes are low.
The Deanes Pencil Fund is stepping up to address this issue. Founded on the belief that education should be accessible and debt-free, the Fund has awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to deserving students in just four years. During Jackson State’s recent homecoming, the Fund provided two scholarships totaling $17,500 to Joshua Thomas and Zoe Turner.
Run entirely by volunteers; the Fund channels 100% of donations into scholarships. Inspired by the Haitian proverb
“Men anpil, chay pa lou” (“Many hands make the load light”), the Fund invites supporters to share its mission and contribute to lifting the financial burden from future leaders.
👉 Join the movement: Share this story, donate, and help make higher education a reality for more students.
