McDonald’s USA Partners with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Alkeme to Strengthen Commitment to Support Financial and Mental Health Needs of HBCU Students

For the 2023-2024 academic year, the Golden Arches, together with its Owner/Operators and Partners, will increase resources and investments for more HBCU students through the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program, providing access to resources in mental health and attributing $1 million in stock markets, up $500,000 in 2022. College students should be able to focus on their studies and create lifelong memories with new friends, but socio-economic and pandemic concerns continue to impact Black students at HBCUs, leaving many of them in need of financial and mental health assistance. As indicated in a May 2022 American Psychological Association study, “HBCU students report student loan repayment, financial aid and education, and future educational expenses as the top factors contributing to stress.” So McDonald’s has partnered with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Alkeme to relieve some of that pressure.

“As HBCU students invest in their future and their passions, McDonald’s and its franchisees remain committed to providing the tools and resources they need to help them succeed,” said Courtney Holeman, Greater Richmond, Virginia McDonald’s franchisee. “Through meaningful partnerships like this, we can ensure that students are well-equipped to confidently manage their finances and take care of their mental health on their journey to academic success.”

Recipients will also receive a one-year subscription to Alkeme, a black-owned streaming platform that offers wellness classes led by therapists and experts, guided meditation sessions and live streaming centered on the black experience. Through this new partnership with Alkeme, students will be able to access personalized and curated content and resources that center the HBCU experience and enable students to achieve their personal goals.

Applications are now open via March 27, 2023at 11:59 PM EST to incoming and current HBCU students on tmcf.org, with winners announced in summer 2023.

“It is important to build a community of culturally competent practitioners who truly understand and represent the black experience to better meet the needs of black students,” said Ryan Mundy, founder of Alkeme Health. “We want to empower our community to be the best and highest versions of themselves, and that’s why we’re honored to partner with McDonald’s to help break down barriers to mental health for people. HBCU students and providing resources to inspire wellness.”

Launched in 2020 to help HBCU students across the country overcome financial barriers to obtaining an education amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program is committed to supporting and to empower the next generation of leaders across the country through support money and resources.

“The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is dedicated to helping transform the lives of HBCU students by preparing them for the next generation of leaders in the workplace and in life,” said Dr. Harry L. Williams, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF). “We, alongside our partners of more than 20 years at McDonald’s, remain committed to providing the support necessary for Black students to succeed at all levels.”

Students interested in applying for the Black & Positively Golden Scholarship Program must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be 18 or older
• Be enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior attending an HBCU during the 2023-2024 school year
• Have a current cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher
• Demonstrate leadership abilities and financial need
• Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551

To learn more about our Black & Positively Golden movement and scholarship, follow @wearegolden on Instagram and visit www.blackandpositivelygolden.com.

About McDonald’s UNITED STATES Education efforts

The McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden HBCU Scholarship Fund is just one of many company initiatives created to provide brighter futures and provide educational and skills opportunities in the communities we serve. These efforts also include the Black & Positively Golden Mentors program, which offers up-and-coming talent one-on-one coaching from esteemed industry leaders; the HACER® Education Tour, which provides information to help you navigate the college application process; supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Diplomas2Degrees program, which introduces teens to post-secondary education options; and the Archways to Opportunity program, which provides educational resources to eligible teams at participating U.S. restaurants. Together with franchisees, we are committed to nurturing and fostering our communities.

About McDonald’s UNITED STATES

McDonald’s serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of the 14,000 McDonald’s restaurants in the United States are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, http://www.mcdonalds.com/, or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.mcdonalds.com.

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