Jalyn Holden from Byram, MS, is a three-time UNCF scholarship recipient who dreamt of going to college in New Orleans, LA, and experiencing the city’s rich culture and music. UNCF scholarships helped the first-generation college student’s dream become a reality. Holden recently graduated from Dillard University, a UNCF-member institution and Louisiana’s oldest HBCU, with a reduced amount of student loan debt. She earned her degree in psychology and served as former Dillard University’s Miss UNCF. Holden is a recipient of the June & Wylie Selden Memorial Endowment Scholarship, the Tell Us About “U” Scholarship and the UNCF Quillin-Hastings Scholarship, all administered by UNCF.

“If I had not received these scholarships, I would have been over $5,000 in debt,” she said. “This financial burden would have significantly hindered my ability to focus on my major and career aspirations, leading to emotional stress and mental fatigue.”

For first-generation college students, navigating higher education comes with challenges—from limited financial support to navigating the college process without the knowledge of parents or family members who may have once attended school. Through UNCF programming and scholarships, like the ones Holden received, students receive support beyond financial aid and gain professional development skills that support their future career aspirations.

In 2025, Holden attended the UNCF National Alumni Council (NAC) Conference, which honors alumni selected by their respective universities to receive the UNCF-NAC Hall of Honor award and also awards scholarships to current students. She was crowned at the conference as Dillard University’s Miss National UNCF, representing her university. As Miss UNCF, Holden was responsible for promoting and raising funds on behalf of the nonprofit organization.

“Being crowned Dillard University’s Miss UNCF for 2024-2025 provided me with the opportunity to fundraise for my community shelter and to attend the 2025 UNCF Conference as Miss UNCF,” she said. “At the conference, I networked with many student leaders who are also first-generation college students attending HBCUs.”

In addition to her leadership roles through UNCF, she participated in numerous organizations on campus that aligned with her career goals and passions. As a student leader, Holden participated in the P.E.A.C.E. Council, a student-led initiative that supports Dillard University students who are survivors of violence and focuses on violence prevention. She also served as an executive student coordinator for the Office of Violence Prevention. Holden was also a member of Dillard University’s prestigious concert choir, singing “Fair Dillard” during the 2026 commencement ceremony.

“It is a wonderful experience to see my peers walk across the oaks and the stage as we celebrate their achievements,” she said.