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.

Related News

Finding opportunity and confidence through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund 

Darius Mackey, a junior finance major at Texas Southern University (TSU), credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping him recognize his potential and pursue opportunities he once thought were out of reach. Mackey, a first-generation college student expected to graduate in December 2027, has participated in TMCF programs including the Lowe’s retail immersion […]

How the Thurgood Marshall College Fund helped open doors in technology for Tuskegee University graduate

Destinie “Alora” James-Knowles, a 2025 graduate of Tuskegee University, credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping shape her academic and professional journey. A double major in computer engineering and electrical engineering, James-Knowles now works as a sales engineer and leads Shift-ALT-HER, a nonprofit focused on helping women pursue careers in technology.  Shift-ALT-HER grew […]

Thurgood Marshall College Fund lauds additional support for historically Black colleges and universities by Trump administration 

Officials at the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) express sincere gratitude to President Trump, Secretary McMahon and the Trump administration for announcing plans to provide $174 million in supplemental Title III funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in FY26, above congressional appropriations. Building upon the supplemental amount of $435 million allocated in FY25, […]