The Transformative Mission of NEED

When Dr. Marcia Sturdivant reflects on the mission of NEED (Negro Educational Emergency Drive), she sees far more than scholarships—she sees lives transformed. Families uplifted. Dreams realized. Communities strengthened. As President and CEO of NEED, Dr. Sturdivant leads with a deep sense of purpose rooted in history, advocacy, and the belief that education is a catalyst for equity.

The organization’s journey began in 1963, during a time of civil rights unrest and national reckoning. Pittsburgh resident Marion Gordon, devastated by the assassination of Medgar Evers—a champion for education and voting rights—felt compelled to act. Having worked alongside Evers, Gordon turned grief into resolve. She organized NEED’s first fundraiser: a dinner that sent 76 African-American students to college that same year.

That moment of mobilization planted seeds that have flourished for over six decades. Today, NEED has awarded over $50 million in scholarships to more than 48,000 students throughout Western Pennsylvania. These aren’t just statistics—they represent individuals who might have remained unseen or unsupported, but who now contribute to the workforce, lead communities, and inspire future generations.

Celebrating Excellence and Amplifying Stories

Each spring, NEED hosts its annual scholarship dinner, an event Dr. Sturdivant affectionately calls their “Hollywood Oscar event.” But it’s not about glamour—it’s about pride, joy, and the recognition of hard-earned achievement. Around 600 community members gather to celebrate students who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but resilience and character.

Dr. Sturdivant believes that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in NEED’s arsenal. Through the Ambassador Program, former scholarship recipients return to share how NEED changed the trajectory of their lives. One such ambassador, Lamar Blackwell—now an executive director at an educational nonprofit—stood on stage and described NEED as an “ecosystem of success.” Growing up amid poverty and violence, Lamar found in NEED not just financial support, but a community of belief and encouragement.

These stories are more than testimonials—they’re affirmations of NEED’s impact. They remind attendees that the organization’s work is not about charity; it’s about empowerment and justice. Dr. Sturdivant ensures that every student’s journey is honored, every achievement amplified, and every challenge acknowledged.

A Legacy of Hope and a Future of Possibility

As the leader of NEED, Dr. Sturdivant is often asked why she does this work. Her answer is simple: it’s not a job—it’s a calling. Having once been a student who benefited from the helping hands of others, she understands the power of being seen, supported, and believed in. That personal experience fuels her daily commitment to creating opportunities for others.

Dr. Sturdivant emphasizes that the mission of NEED is especially critical for young people navigating poverty, mental health challenges, or educational marginalization. Her greatest satisfaction comes not from accolades, but from watching a former NEED student walk across a graduation stage—or return as a mentor, teacher, entrepreneur, or leader.

“Access to education unlocks doors that poverty tries to keep shut,” she often says. With every scholarship, NEED sends a message: We believe in you. We see you. We’re investing in the future you’re building—not just for yourself, but for your family, your neighborhood, and our entire region.

The legacy of NEED was born out of tragedy, but it became a beacon of hope. Under Dr. Sturdivant’s leadership, it continues to thrive because the community understands that educational equity is essential to social change. Together, they’re not just funding college—they’re fostering a movement rooted in access, excellence, and empowerment.

To learn more about NEED visit:
https://www.NEEDLD.org
NEED

429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000 

Pittsburgh, PA 15219 
412-566-2760