Our Mission
The mission of the Cheyney Foundation is to raise funds, promote and support academic excellence, innovation and sustainability of Cheyney University.
Cheyney University's mission is to prepare confident, competent, reflective, visionary leaders and responsible citizens. We uphold our tradition of academic excellence as we maintain our historical commitment to opportunity and access for students of diverse backgrounds. Cheyney University provides a nurturing, intellectually challenging and socially enriching environment.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create and support long-term sustainable programming, foster innovation and promote an environment of high level academic achievement for all students at Cheyney University. The Cheyney Foundation assists in leveraging its resources to make Cheyney University, the premiere HBCU in the nation, with an unparalleled educational experience that is sought after internationally
Our Values
Integrity
The Cheyney Foundation holds its financial responsibilities with the utmost of integrity.
Academic Excellence
We take pride in granting scholarships and providing need-based financial support to the students of Cheyney University that uphold a high level of academic achievement.
Partnerships
The Cheyney Foundation holds its financial responsibilities with the utmost of integrity.
Innovation
We value new ideas; programming, systems and processes that will help launch Cheyney University into the premier school for the nation.
Sustainability
Creating sustainable pathways in many different areas allows Cheyney University to increase its longevity.
Education
We believe that education is the foundation to life.
An Extraordinary History
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania Founded in 1837 as the Institute for Colored Youth, is the oldest of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in America. The founding of Cheyney University was made possible by Richard Humphreys, a Quaker philanthropist who bequeathed, one tenth of his estate, (about $10,000) to design and establish a school to educate the descendants of the African race.
Born on a plantation in the West Indies, Richard Humphreys came to Philadelphia in 1764. Having witnessed the struggles of Africans who were brought to the Americas competing unsuccessfully for jobs due to the influx of immigrants, Humphreys became interested in their plight.
Learn more about what Cheyney University offers in this video.
Our Background
The Cheyney Foundation was established in 1971 and subsequently applied to IRS for as a 501(c)(3) non-profit status by former Cheyney State College President Wade Wilson, and others (later renamed Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) and others to enable the school to accept tax-deductible donations. Since its founding 46 years ago, the Cheyney Foundation has been committed to supporting Cheyney University.
Over the years, the Foundation has given over $2.4 M to the University to support a variety of different areas, such as assistance with the Arts department, Cheyney’s Marching Band, feasibility study for renovation of athletic facilities, faculty professional development, etc. The majority of these funds have been given back to the University in the form of scholarships for students.
Amplifying support for Cheyney University
By raising money and managing private gifts for the university, the Cheyney Foundation amplifies support for Cheyney University and the programs, departments and facilities that you are most interested in supporting. Your gift has the ability to transform a life, develop a cure, motivate a faculty member or enhance the Cheyney experience. We cannot abide by our mission without support from donors like you.
The Cheyney Foundation has given over $2.4 million to support Cheyney University. Thus far we’ve given over $870,000 that was used to support students through scholarship dollars. In the past 46 years, the Cheyney Foundation has supported programs, departments and provided funds to advance Cheyney University.
Some of the programs we have supported over the years
The Department of Natural and Applied Sciences offers Bachelor of Science degree programs in Biological Science, Mathematics and Computer Science.
The mission of the department is to educate and train our students in the science, technology and mathematics disciplines to become life-long learners, problem solvers, and environmentally responsible citizens.
The department provides a supporting and nurturing environment that prepares students to join the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) workforce, or to enroll in a professional or a graduate school. We work diligently to place interested students in research internships and research training programs, both on and off campus, as further preparation for their field of choice, thus aiding in the transition to the next level of their career.
Coursework in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and computer science is also offered for non-majors in order to educate all students in science, technology and mathematics.
Learn More
The Mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania shall be to provide National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II programs for men and women that are equally characterized by excellence.
Learn More
The Mission of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania shall be to provide National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II programs for men and women that are equally characterized by excellence.
Learn More
At Cheyney, our academic programs are informed by current realities, shaped by up-to-date expertise, and designed to provide unmatched preparation for sustained professional success.
Learn More
At Cheyney, our academic programs are informed by current realities, shaped by up-to-date expertise, and designed to provide unmatched preparation for sustained professional success.
Other Affiliations
