Coco Gauff's Continued Support for HBCU Tennis Through UNCF Scholarship Program
Coco Gauff, a globally celebrated advocate for education and empowerment, is extending her impact far beyond the tennis court. The 21-year-old tennis star is continuing her support for tennis programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through a generous donation to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
Gauff's Generous Donation to UNCF
UNCF has announced a generous $150,000 gift from Coco Gauff, following a $100,000 donation she made last year to UNCF. This recent donation marks Gauff’s second major gift to the organization. The gift will be distributed through the Coco Gauff Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to HBCU students who participate in collegiate tennis. This marks the second straight year Gauff has made a significant contribution to the program.
Maurice E. Jenkins Jr., UNCF’s executive vice president and chief development officer, expressed immense gratitude for Gauff's ongoing commitment. "We are immensely grateful to Coco Gauff for her generosity and ongoing commitment to our mission," said Jenkins.
The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program
The Coco Gauff Scholarship Program will be administered by UNCF, and scholarships will be awarded to eligible students who play competitive tennis starting in May. According to UNCF, previous scholarship recipients have included students from Alabama A&M, Albany State, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Livingstone, and Tuskegee University.
"We are incredibly grateful to Coco Gauff for her generous $100,000 gift to UNCF, which will significantly impact the lives of HBCU students aspiring to excel in competitive tennis," said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. "Her commitment not only showcases her dedication to education and athletics but also inspires the next generation of student-athletes to pursue their dreams."
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Gauff's Connection to HBCUs
Gauff’s commitment to HBCUs is deeply personal. "My family has a deep-rooted history with HBCUs, going all the way back to my great, great grandfather," Gauff said. She recognizes the value and the role they play in the community. From aunts and uncles to cousins, HBCUs have played a huge role in shaping who they are.
"As a young Black athlete, I understand how impactful it is to see people who look like me thriving in both sports and education," Gauff said. "My hope is that this scholarship gives more young Black players the confidence to chase their dreams, knowing they have a strong community behind them and a bright future ahead."
UNCF's Mission and Impact
UNCF is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. Since its founding in 1944, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students’ 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.
UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 15% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees, and 19% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education.
UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 50,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country.
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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. The scholarships support students attending more than 600 US-based colleges and universities including 37 UNCF-member HBCUs. Through its efforts, UNCF has helped generations of students to get to and through college. They believe a college education plays a vital role in fortifying the pipeline of leaders and professionals who contribute to the advancement of our society.
Gauff's Achievements and Advocacy
Gauff has a career-high ranking of world No. 2 in singles and of world No. 1 in doubles by the WTA. Gauff has won eleven career singles titles, including two majors at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, as well as the 2024 WTA Finals.
Even though Gauff did not attend college before turning pro, she has been an outspoken advocate for the power of education.
A Role Model On and Off the Court
Gauff's philanthropic efforts continue to inspire young people across the nation. "As a role model both on and off the court, Gauff’s philanthropic efforts continue to inspire young people across the nation," said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF.
The scholarships are not the first financial effort tied to the American. When Gauff won her first Grand Slam singles title at the 2023 US Open, the USTA committed $3 million to refurbish tennis courts across America in her honor.
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tags: #Coco #Gauff #UNC #HBCU #tennis #scholarship
