12/29/2025

Celebrating Scholars, Fueling Futures: NEED's Annual Dinner Turns Recognition Into Opportunity

What Is The Significance Of The Annual NEED Dinner? A red carpet. A packed ballroom. Hundreds of voices cheering as students’ names, majors, and destinations are read aloud. This is the NEED Dinner—our annual, student-centered celebration where recognition becomes momentum and a community shows up to launch scholars into college with pride and purpose. We walk you through the meaning behind every choice: a formal sit-down meal that says “get used to this,” African drummers and cultural touchstones that affirm identity, and a dais that centers students, not speeches. You’ll hear how scholarships at the dinner symbolize recognition within a wider ecosystem of support, and why bringing sophomores and juniors to watch turns distant dreams into near-term goals. Parents sit in a dedicated section to cheer. Churches fill “church row” and compete to fund a scholarship for a congregant. Fraternities, sororities, colleges, judges, and civic leaders come to witness, applaud, and invest in the next class. We also share practical paths to support. Donors and business partners can engage early in the year to align with the May date, start or continue named scholarships, or volunteer when funds aren’t possible. Grants and foundations are vital, but it’s often the number of contributors—not just the size of gifts—that changes a student’s path. A standout memory captures the heart of the night: a retired teacher, once a Need recipient, receives a spontaneous standing ovation from former students who cry out, “You were my teacher!” Impact echoes when communities celebrate their own. If you believe public celebration can be a catalyst, you’ll find the blueprint here: culture, recognition, and resources working together to lift students into higher education. Subscribe for more stories that center students and expand access, share this episode with a friend who loves mentoring, and leave a review to help more people join this mission. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

15 min

12/22/2025

How A Community Turned Medgar Evers’ Legacy Into 50,000 College Journeys

What Does NEED Stand For And Why Was It Founded? A single phone call turned grief into momentum. When Marian Jordan heard that Medgar Evers had been assassinated in 1963, she teamed up with Florence Reizenstein and organized a benefit dinner that changed the trajectory for 76 students. That night became the seed of NEED, a scholarship and mentorship engine that has since propelled more than 50,000 African American students into and through college. We sit down with Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, President and CEO of NEED—and a former NEED recipient—to unpack how a local act of courage grew into a national network of alumni, mentors, and partners. Dr. Sturdivant traces the early support from leaders like Sargent Shriver and A. Philip Randolph, explains why the organization shortened its original name while staying true to its mission, and shares the traditions that keep alumni returning as donors and champions. From the annual scholarship dinner to year-round advising, she shows how financial aid, guidance, and community turn access into completion and careers. The results are measurable and moving. A recent study found NEED alumni in 48 states achieving closer economic parity within their professions, narrowing gaps through education, internships, and social capital. We explore how leadership continuity, student-centered programs, and a no-frills motto—“we outperform”—drive outcomes without chasing competition. If you care about equity, mentoring, and the power of local action to scale nationally, this conversation offers a blueprint for impact you can join today. Subscribe to stay connected, share this story with someone who believes in education, and leave a review to help others find the show. Ready to act? Apply, volunteer, or partner at www.needld.org, email needph@gmail.com, or call 412-566-2760. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

13 min

12/17/2025

Inside NEED’s 10-Day Journey Through HBCUs And History

NEED Has An Annual HBCU Tour. What Has This Experience Been Like For Students And Tour Leaders? Watch a light switch on when a student steps onto a campus where success looks like them. We take you inside NEED’s 10-day HBCU tour, a journey through more than a dozen states and nearly 18 campuses that blends admissions access, cultural history, and mentoring into a life-changing experience. From first-time travel to first-time acceptances, this is where uncertainty gives way to pride, purpose, and a plan. We break down how the tour is built for impact: business casual expectations to practice professional presence, guided sessions with admissions officers who often extend on-the-spot offers, and structured time with current students and alumni who greet the group like family. Along the way, we anchor every campus visit in context—stops at Fort Monroe, civil rights sites, and museums pair with bus-ride conversations and videos that explain why HBCUs exist, how they’ve endured, and what it means to learn in spaces designed to celebrate Black excellence. You’ll hear why access is the nonnegotiable foundation. If a student wants college, NEED brings the mentoring, tutoring, and guidance to get them there. The criteria are simple—desire, an application, and a conversation—while scholarships and community support help cover costs. Parents are partners, students are known by name, and alumni show up on campus to say, “there’s my people,” turning a tour into a living network. The results speak for themselves: elevated motivation, deeper belonging, and a strong share of students choosing HBCUs with confidence. Ready to support a student’s first step toward a degree and a community that lasts? Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help more families discover NEED’s path to college. To apply for scholarships or get involved, visit www.Needld.org. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

12 min

12/10/2025

Own Your Path To College Success: Advice From Dr. Marcia Sturdivant

What Advice Do You Give College-bound Students Navigating Barriers And Uncertainty? Your college journey shouldn’t be decided by glossy brochures or a noisy feed. We break down how to make confident choices with first-hand campus visits, real conversations, and a plan that fits your life. Dr. Marcia Sturdivant shares practical ways to highlight your strengths in applications, write essays that actually say something, and build a schedule that supports energy, work, and family commitments. We dig into the limits of social media when evaluating schools and offer a smarter research stack: student newspapers, course catalogs, alumni from different eras, current students, and staff who know the day-to-day. You’ll hear why colleges value well-rounded applicants, how to present uneven transcripts with clarity, and what it looks like to turn doubt into action. From choosing professors to timing your course load, we focus on the small decisions that compound into big wins. Life outside campus doesn’t pause, so we talk openly about balancing home stress with academic goals. Learn how to tap campus resources many students overlook: counseling and behavioral health services, student success centers, food and clothing banks, and crisis support. We close with a reminder that admissions is a network of doors—if one closes, others open—and that momentum comes from honest self-assessment, mentorship, and steady follow-through. If this conversation helps you or someone you know, share it with a future first-year, subscribe for more mentoring and scholarship guidance, and leave a review with the biggest question you want us to tackle next. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

12 min

11/14/2025

Beyond The Dollar: The In-Kind Power Of Noncash Support

What Kinds Of In-kind Donations Are Most Helpful? Real help isn’t always a check—it’s a laptop that works at 2 a.m., a mentor who answers the hard questions, or a company that shares its expertise when it matters most. We dig into the practical, high-impact ways noncash giving propels students into college and keeps them on track through graduation. We share why diversifying support is essential for lean nonprofit teams and how pro bono services—from legal and accounting to event production—stretch limited budgets. You’ll hear how volunteers and mentors create momentum for students, including programs that engage fathers alongside their sons to strengthen the path to college completion. We get specific about tangible needs: dorm essentials that can cost thousands before day one, refurbished laptops that close the access gap, and subscriptions to study platforms that turn short trials into a full year of learning. These aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re the tools that keep students enrolled, confident, and ready for the next step. We also unpack the “give or get” approach for individuals and businesses. If you can give, do. If you can’t, open doors to your employer, your network, or your customers. Companies can sponsor software seats, donate devices, offer staff time for mentoring, and amplify scholarship deadlines so more students apply. Safeguards like background checks and training keep mentoring safe and effective, while simple monthly check-ins catch problems early. The through line is clear: when people contribute skills, time, goods, and relationships, students get the support they need without straining nonprofit budgets. Ready to help beyond the dollar? Subscribe for more stories, share this episode with a colleague, and tell us what skill, item, or connection you can offer today. Your time, your network, and that extra laptop can change a life—starting now. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

13 min

11/07/2025

Guiding Parents To Boost Student Success: How Families Fuel College Dreams

What Role Do Families Play In Student Success? The path to college is rarely a straight line, and the strongest guideposts often come from home. We sit down together to unpack how families shape student success through steady encouragement, smart financial decisions, and everyday mentoring that builds confidence long before an application is submitted. With clear data showing parents as the leading influence on college choice, we focus on what actually moves the needle: early engagement, flexible communication, and respect for the wider village supporting each student. We share practical ways busy households can plug in without burning out, from short, focused phone calls to private video check‑ins and evening community meetings that fit real schedules. You’ll hear how parental involvement boosts curiosity and academic performance while reducing truancy, and why sharing family stories—successes, setbacks, and cultural roots—gives students a roadmap for resilience. We also broaden the definition of “family,” recognizing the vital roles of aunts, uncles, mentors, and community leaders, and explain how practitioners earn trust by honoring that ecosystem. Money worries come up fast, so we demystify the financial aid process and the FAFSA. Think of it like a tax return: detailed but doable with help. We outline key documents, common pitfalls, and how to compare aid offers beyond the headline numbers, giving first‑gen households the clarity to make strong choices. The throughline is partnership—parents, students, and practitioners working in sync to turn potential into progress and access into achievement. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a family in your circle, and leave a review to help more students find the support they deserve. Have a question we didn’t cover? Send it our way and join the village building bright futures. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

10 min

10/09/2025

How a Single Scholarship Transforms Families, Communities, and Futures

What Is The Ripple Effect Of Supporting One Student? What if helping one student isn’t small at all, but the start of a chain reaction? We dig into how a single scholarship and a trusted mentor can rewrite a life story—and how those stories scale into a nationwide network of alumni who lift as they climb. From a 1963 beginning to more than 48,000 graduates today, we trace how belief, access, and accountability compound over time. We share a vivid case study of a student who found direction with a college advisor, graduated from Morehouse with honors, earned a law degree at Georgia State, and returned as an alumni liaison to mentor the next wave. Alongside the story, we unpack fresh data from a dedicated analysis: NEED alumni outperform peers across socioeconomic status, occupational outcomes, health and wellness, and civic engagement. When compared with the broader African American population—and even against white populations—the gap in wealth, education, and achievement narrows for alumni, underscoring how targeted college access and support alter long-term trajectories. Across the conversation, we highlight why relatable mentorship matters, how the annual scholarship dinner transfers belief through lived testimony, and why the ethic of service is the engine of scale. This is education as community-building: each one, teach one; each one, reach many. If you’ve ever wondered whether helping one student makes a difference, you’ll leave with both the story and the stats to say yes with confidence. Join us, share this with someone who needs the push, and be part of the ripple—subscribe, rate, and leave a review so more people can find their way to opportunity. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

12 min

10/03/2025

Southbound to Self-Belief: How HBCU Tours Transform First-Gen Students and Families

What Happens During NEED’s HBCU Tours? A bus ride can change a life when it’s built on truth, care, and possibility. We take you inside our ten-day HBCU tour—an intentional journey that prepares first‑gen students and their families, confronts hard history with compassion, and shines a light on campuses where Black excellence is the norm and belonging is built into the fabric. From early interviews and parent briefings to sunrise departures and first campus steps, we show how structure and story reshape a student’s view of college and self. Our framework moves from Ma’afa to Ma’at—naming the realities of enslavement, Jim Crow, and systemic barriers, then lifting up wellness, reciprocity, and healing. Museum visits like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center give students context that many have never been taught; HBCU classrooms and quads offer a living picture of resilience and achievement. The result is often emotional: tears, disbelief, and then a steady awakening. On the bus we keep talking—screening films, journaling, and holding open dialogues that turn shock into understanding and understanding into agency. We don’t guess at impact; we measure it. Pre‑ and post‑surveys track shifts in motivation, pride, stereotype rejection, and sense of belonging. The data is consistent: students return more confident about being Black in America, clearer about their college path, and eager to apply what they’ve learned. Families gain tools to navigate applications, financial aid, and campus fit, and they become true partners in the process. If you care about college access, HBCU culture, student identity, and the power of experiential learning, this story will renew your hope—and your playbook. Subscribe for more conversations on mentoring, philanthropy, and access, share this episode with someone who needs a push, and leave a review to help others find the show. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

12 min

09/10/2025

The Pipeline to Higher Ed: NEED's Academic Enrichment Programs

What Enrichment Programs Are Offered Through NEED? What happens when possibility meets preparation? At NEED, the answer is transformative educational pathways for students who might otherwise never consider college as an option. Dr. Marcia Sturdivant's passion for student empowerment shines through as she details the organization's comprehensive approach to college readiness. Their flagship ACE (Access to College and Career Education) program doesn't just help students navigate applications—it builds a complete support system that includes parents, mentors, and career exploration opportunities tailored to each student's interests and abilities. Particularly compelling are NEED's targeted initiatives addressing critical workforce gaps. The Pathways to African American Nurses and Teachers programs respond to alarming shortages in these professions, recognizing that representation directly impacts both health outcomes and academic achievement. By bringing Black professionals into schools to share their experiences and expertise, these programs have already sent dozens of students into nursing programs, creating a pipeline that will benefit communities for generations. The organization's culturally responsive approach extends to their popular HBCU Tour, where students visit approximately 18 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the eastern seaboard. For many participants, it's their first time seeing campuses filled with Black scholars—an experience described as "mesmerizing." Other innovative programs include Hip Hop Robotics for sixth-graders and a PEACE gardening initiative that connects environmental science with African cultural traditions. Underpinning everything is NEED's scholarship program, providing crucial "last dollar" funding that bridges the gap between other financial aid and total college costs. As Dr. Sturdivant powerfully states, "Our kids are brilliant and can get into any college they desire. Paying for it is a different thing." Ready to support this vital work? Visit www.Needld.org to learn how you can help unlock the power of education for students, families, and the future of our region. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

16 min

09/04/2025

Breaking Barriers: How Mentorship Transforms College Access for Underserved Youth

How Does Mentoring Impact College Access For Underserved Youth? The transformative power of mentorship stands at the heart of educational equity. When underserved students connect with mentors who share their lived experiences, something remarkable happens – confidence blossoms, academic performance improves, and pathways to higher education become clearer. Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, President and CEO of NEED, reveals how representation in mentoring creates immediate trust and understanding. "Students who have personalized attention from people that look like them tend to fare better than their peers," she explains. This connection isn't just comfortable – it's foundational. When mentors have navigated similar challenges, they validate students' experiences while simultaneously showing that barriers can be overcome. Much of NEED's mentorship work focuses on dismantling harmful stereotypes that unconsciously limit how students view their own potential. Through open conversations about the origins and falsehoods of racial stereotyping, mentors help students develop critical thinking skills to reject limiting beliefs. "When you instill that in students, they have a confidence so high," notes Dr. Sturdivant. This confidence directly translates to improved academic outcomes and higher education success. The organization thoughtfully matches mentors with students based on shared experiences and community connections. For those interested in becoming mentors themselves, Dr. Sturdivant emphasizes key qualities: genuine care for minority students, patience, and a consistently positive outlook. The selection process maintains high standards because, as she puts it, mentors must "treat our kids as if they were your own." Ready to support educational equity through mentorship? Connect with NEED today to discover how you can help transform a student's educational journey and future possibilities. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

14 min

08/04/2025

From Tragedy to Triumph: How NEED Has Changed 48,000 Lives Since 1963

Meet the Host: Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, President and CEO of NEED From tragedy springs hope. When civil rights icon Medgar Evers was assassinated in 1963, Pittsburgh resident Marion Gordon transformed her grief into action, founding NEED to fulfill Evers' dream of college access for African American students. Nearly six decades later, this remarkable organization has provided over $50 million in scholarships to more than 48,000 students across Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, NEED's President and CEO, shares the organization's origin story with passion and purpose. What began with a fundraising dinner that sent 76 students to college has blossomed into an educational cornerstone, celebrated annually at their signature scholarship event where hundreds gather to honor student excellence. Rather than traditional marketing, NEED relies on its sterling reputation and a powerful ambassador program where alumni share personal testimonies about how educational access changed their lives. The podcast features one such testimony from Lamar Blackwell, now an executive director of an educational nonprofit. Growing up surrounded by poverty and violence, Lamar credits NEED with connecting him to an "ecosystem of success" that revealed possibilities beyond his circumstances. His story exemplifies the organization's profound impact: creating pathways where none existed before. Dr. Sturdivant's leadership philosophy centers on community responsibility and paying forward the help she once received. "There's no greater feeling than to have someone come to you in need of help and then you're able to see that they have resolved their situations later on," she reflects. Between scholarship work, Dr. Sturdivant enjoys quiet reading, theater, movies, and even thrifting – finding hidden treasures much like she does in the potential of every student NEED supports. Ready to unlock the power of education? Contact NEED today and become part of a six-decade legacy of transforming lives through educational opportunity. Your support continues the mission that began in response to tragedy but has flourished into a powerful force for positive change. To learn more about NEED visit: https://www.NEEDLD.org NEED 429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-566-2760

9 min

The NEED Podcast

Episodes

Celebrating Scholars, Fueling Futures: NEED's Annual Dinner Turns Recognition Into Opportunity

How A Community Turned Medgar Evers’ Legacy Into 50,000 College Journeys

Inside NEED’s 10-Day Journey Through HBCUs And History

Own Your Path To College Success: Advice From Dr. Marcia Sturdivant

Beyond The Dollar: The In-Kind Power Of Noncash Support

Guiding Parents To Boost Student Success: How Families Fuel College Dreams

How a Single Scholarship Transforms Families, Communities, and Futures

Southbound to Self-Belief: How HBCU Tours Transform First-Gen Students and Families

The Pipeline to Higher Ed: NEED's Academic Enrichment Programs

Breaking Barriers: How Mentorship Transforms College Access for Underserved Youth

From Tragedy to Triumph: How NEED Has Changed 48,000 Lives Since 1963

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