What Does NEED Stand For And Why Was It Founded?

A single phone call turned grief into momentum. When Marian Jordan heard that Medgar Evers had been assassinated in 1963, she teamed up with Florence Reizenstein and organized a benefit dinner that changed the trajectory for 76 students. That night became the seed of NEED, a scholarship and mentorship engine that has since propelled more than 50,000 African American students into and through college.

We sit down with Dr. Marcia Sturdivant, President and CEO of NEED—and a former NEED recipient—to unpack how a local act of courage grew into a national network of alumni, mentors, and partners. Dr. Sturdivant traces the early support from leaders like Sargent Shriver and A. Philip Randolph, explains why the organization shortened its original name while staying true to its mission, and shares the traditions that keep alumni returning as donors and champions. From the annual scholarship dinner to year-round advising, she shows how financial aid, guidance, and community turn access into completion and careers.

The results are measurable and moving. A recent study found NEED alumni in 48 states achieving closer economic parity within their professions, narrowing gaps through education, internships, and social capital. We explore how leadership continuity, student-centered programs, and a no-frills motto—“we outperform”—drive outcomes without chasing competition. If you care about equity, mentoring, and the power of local action to scale nationally, this conversation offers a blueprint for impact you can join today.

Subscribe to stay connected, share this story with someone who believes in education, and leave a review to help others find the show. Ready to act? Apply, volunteer, or partner at www.needld.org, email [email protected], or call 412-566-2760.

To learn more about NEED visit:
https://www.NEEDLD.org
NEED
429 Fourth Avenue, 20th FL, Suite 2000
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-566-2760