As an important and long-standing manifestation of its mission, the Greater Washington Urban League and its young professionals’ auxiliary, Thursday Network (TN) are committed to awarding educational opportunities through scholarships for college-bound and currently enrolled college students. In conjunction with numerous corporate sponsors, GWUL has facilitated the distribution of more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 young adults to financially support their freshman through senior years at any accredited four-year college or university in the United States. Scholarship recipients have matriculated to a diverse and elite range of higher education institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, local colleges, Ivy League, and other colleges/universities, as well as the Job Corps andother special post-secondary education and trade establishments.
Young Blacks Give Back Month, also known as YBGB Month, is Thursday Network’s most significant annual community service initiative. Held during the month of May, YBGB is recognized by a DC mayoral proclamation, as an outstanding and noteworthy achievement in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan community. During this time, Thursday Network members perform a series of four to six community service events to reinvigorate the organization’s resolve to serve and to reinforce the importance of giving back to causes and persons in need.
Past YBGB activities include career fairs for high school students, revitalization of DC public schools and parks, health fairs for the DC community, and financial literacy programs for young adults.
Each year, Thursday Network hosts a mentoring program for DC area youth focused on personal development, college readiness, career exploration and healthy living. The Empowerment Academy supports schools and programs across the region by providing mentors to lead sessions and build positive relationships with mentees each session.
Each year, Thursday Network hosts a blanket and toiletry drive to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.During the month of January, communities within DC, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County will be asked to donate items and funds to create care packages for people in need.
Each Month, The Thursday Network Food Pantry supports the community by providing essential food and household items to those in need. In addition to collecting monthly monetary donations and food items from our members, Thursday Network’s Community Service Committee packages and delivers items to selected community members once per month, helping low-income families and addressing hunger in our community