The Thurgood Marshall College Fund partners with the Editorial Freelancers Association to support HBCU students

August 29, 2025

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA) are partnering to support students or recent graduates of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are pursuing a career or continued education in the editorial field.  

Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, TMCF will administer the Ruth Mullen Memorial Scholarship. Named in memory of Ruth Mullen, a longtime EFA member and volunteer, editorial colleague and friend to many in the association, this scholarship will provide up to $5,000 in financial support to eligible HBCU students or recent graduates.

“We’re honored to partner with the Editorial Freelancers Association to administer this scholarship named after someone who committed much of her life to advancing civil rights,” Dr. Harry L. Williams, president & CEO of TMCF, said. 

Recipients also receive a complimentary one-year student membership to EFA, which includes professional development courses and webinars, as well as a supportive editorial community. 

“The EFA is excited to partner with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to expand our outreach and impact with students at these institutions and to do our part to advance diversity, equity and belonging in editing and publishing more broadly,” Autumn A. Arnett, EFA executive director, said. 

The program has awarded nine scholarships over the past three academic years. The first round of TMCF-administered scholarships will be announced in the fall.

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