The Panda Cares Scholars Program, a flagship initiative powered by the Panda Cares Foundation and administered by UNCF (United Negro College Fund), stands as a beacon of opportunity for under-resourced students of color. Beyond just financial aid, the program is deeply invested in nurturing well-rounded future leaders. A key question for many prospective scholars is: Does The Young Scholars Program Care About Community Service Hours? The answer, revealed through their recent partnership with Broccoli City for the Acts of Care 2022 Community Service Project Competition, is a resounding yes, and in a way that goes far beyond simply ticking off hours.
The program’s core philosophy extends beyond academic achievement. It’s about fostering a generation of leaders who are acutely aware of their communities and driven to make a tangible difference. Sekou Biddle, Vice President for Advocacy and Student Professional Development Programs at UNCF, emphasizes this holistic approach: “UNCF is not only an organization providing scholarships to underserved students, but is also an educational and mentorship powerhouse. Through the work we do via the Panda Cares Scholars Program, we are providing transformational professional development that will place our scholars ahead of the competition when applying for an entry-level position in an ever-evolving job market.” This statement highlights that community engagement isn’t just a peripheral aspect; it’s woven into the very fabric of the program’s professional development goals.
The partnership with Broccoli City for the Acts of Care competition further solidifies this commitment. This isn’t about passively accumulating community service hours; it’s about active, impactful engagement. The competition challenged young scholars to develop innovative solutions to real-world issues affecting marginalized communities, directly addressing the disparities highlighted by researchers at the Alliance for Resource Equity. These researchers noted that “people of color and their families find themselves enduring a pandemic that disproportionately impacts their health, mired in an economic crisis that disproportionately affects their financial well-being, and living in a country that too often still struggles to recognize their humanity.” The competition served as a platform for scholars to directly confront these challenges through education-focused projects.
The structure of the Acts of Care competition itself speaks volumes about the program’s values. Forty proposals were submitted under the theme “Uplifting through Education,” and the selection process narrowed it down to ten teams, then five finalists. This intensive, three-week online program wasn’t just about winning a prize. It was a rigorous learning experience designed to equip scholars with crucial skills. Industry professionals coached them in teamwork, research methodologies, grant proposal writing, and advocacy. The culminating virtual grant presentation competition wasn’t simply a showcase; it was a demonstration of the practical skills and community-focused mindset the program aims to instill. The winning team received not only a $5,000 cash prize but also full funding to bring their community project to life, underscoring the program’s commitment to turning ideas into action.
Arnika Jackson, Director of Student Professional Development Programs at UNCF, explains the pedagogical approach behind this initiative: “We want to provide our scholars with an interactive experience that will take the theories of our professional development curriculum and apply them in a real-life scenario. Thanks to the partnership with Panda Cares and Broccoli City, our students will complete a process for applying for a grant, training in public speaking, working through cross-functional team management and learning entry-level accounting—all skills needed to help them find jobs.” This highlights that community service within the Panda Cares Scholars Program is not treated as a separate requirement but rather as an integrated learning experience that enhances professional skills and career readiness.
Broccoli City’s involvement further emphasizes the program’s dedication to community upliftment. As a social enterprise focused on building thriving urban communities, Broccoli City’s mission aligns perfectly with the Panda Cares Scholars Program’s goals. Their Chip’N app, which rewards community engagement, exemplifies their commitment to active participation and social responsibility. The program recognizes that true leadership involves understanding and contributing to the community. Community service, in this context, becomes a vehicle for experiential learning, fostering social entrepreneurship, practical skill development, and a strong sense of personal values.
In conclusion, while the Panda Cares Scholars Program may not explicitly mandate a certain number of community service hours, it demonstrably cares deeply about community engagement and service. It integrates these values into its core structure through initiatives like the Acts of Care competition, partnerships with organizations like Broccoli City, and a professional development curriculum designed to foster community-minded leaders. The program’s focus is on impactful action and meaningful contribution rather than simply logging hours. For students seeking a scholarship program that values both academic excellence and a commitment to community, the Panda Cares Scholars Program offers a powerful and enriching pathway. To explore more about the Panda Cares Scholars Program and its initiatives, visit UNCF.org/PandaCares.
