ARC Foundation

Empowering Students.
Accelerating Futures.

A student-founded nonprofit providing mentorship, scholarships, and leadership development to ambitious students building their careers.

Incubated at Howard University · Washington, D.C.

Our Mission

We believe talent should never be limited by access.

ARC Foundation is dedicated to empowering ambitious students through three interlocking pillars: scholarship, mentorship, and leadership. Together they create a holistic ecosystem for growth.

01

Scholarship

We provide financial support that recognizes students who demonstrate initiative and creativity, ensuring financial barriers do not limit opportunity. Our Career Catalyst Scholarship rewards drive, not just GPA.

02

Mentorship

Through one-on-one mentorship, students are paired with experienced professionals, alumni, and industry leaders who provide career guidance, networking, and professional support tailored to their specific goals.

03

Leadership

ARC hosts workshops, panels, leadership programs, and ambassador initiatives that cultivate confidence, community engagement, and professional readiness, preparing students to lead and invest back into their communities.

Founded 2025

Born from a moment that demanded action.

In June 2025, nearly 1,000 Howard University students faced outstanding balances, registration holds, and the real risk of losing their educational footing. Not from lack of effort, but lack of access.

Daniel Adegboyega, Jada Rabun, and Joshua Ndegwa saw it happen and built something to stop it. They recognized a pattern bigger than one campus: ambitious students held back not by talent, but by financial support, mentorship, and professional networks they never had access to.

ARC Foundation is their answer. Established at Howard University to invest in students through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development, ensuring ambition is never stopped by circumstance.

The name says it all: Accelerating Rising Careers. We're here for students already in motion. Here to help them go further, faster.

The Crisis
~1,000
Howard University students faced outstanding balance holds in June 2025. The moment that demanded ARC be built.
Cost of Attendance
6%
increase year-over-year in Howard University's cost of attendance, making financial support more critical than ever
Source: Howard University Student Financial Services
Federal Loans
64% of Howard's incoming students borrow federal loans averaging $6,901 in their first year
Source: College Factual
ARC leadership workshop
McKinley Technology High School, 2026
The Founders

Our
Founders

Three Howard University students who decided to build the bridge they wished they had.

01
Daniel Adegboyega
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Daniel Adegboyega Co-Founder View Profile →
02
Joshua Ndegwa
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Joshua Ndegwa Co-Founder View Profile →
03
Jada Rabun
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Jada Rabun Co-Founder View Profile →
Our Impact

Built from the ground up. Still growing.

These are the students supported, the scholarship fund raised, the mentors and professionals engaged, and the partner schools reached. We are just getting started.

0+
Students Supported
$0K+
Scholarship Fund*
0+
Mentors & Professionals
0+
Partner Schools in DC

* Scholarship Fund reflects funds raised and allocated for the inaugural 2026 cohort.

How We Work

Three pillars. One mission.

01
Scholarship

We invest in who you're becoming.

Financial barriers end here.

The Career Catalyst Scholarship awards $5,000 to students who demonstrate initiative, ambition, and a commitment to building their future. Not just GPA. Four scholars are selected per cycle.

Recipients receive financial support, a dedicated mentor, access to exclusive professional development, and full membership in the ARC community.

Apply for Scholarship →
02
Mentorship

Every student deserves a guide.

One-on-one, built around you.

ARC pairs each student with a professional mentor who has walked the path they're on. Someone who understands the specific challenges of building a career from a place of limited access.

Mentors provide career guidance, networking introductions, resume feedback, and ongoing accountability throughout the program year.

Become a Mentor →
03
Leadership

Built to lead beyond the classroom.

Programming that prepares you.

ARC Fellows participate in workshops, speaker series, and professional development sessions designed to build the skills that classrooms rarely teach: negotiation, networking, and navigating corporate environments.

Leadership development is woven into every touchpoint of the ARC experience, from our first cohort session to graduation and beyond.

Explore Programs →
Our Programs

Two paths, one mission.

Every student who applies to ARC has a place in our community. Your path depends on your current stage, not your worth.

ARC Scholars

The Scholar Track

ARC Scholars are recipients of the Career Catalyst Scholarship. Students who demonstrate initiative, ambition, and a commitment to growing their careers and communities.

  • 01Career Catalyst Scholarship ($5,000)
  • 02Dedicated Professional Mentor
  • 03Workshops & Leadership Programming
  • 04ARC Opportunities List & Full Community Access
ARC Fellows

The Community Track

ARC Fellows are scholarship applicants who were deferred from the current award cycle. Your journey with ARC doesn't end there. Fellows receive meaningful mentorship and access to keep building momentum.

  • 01Dedicated Professional Mentor
  • 02ARC Opportunities List (Scholarships & Internships)
  • 03ARC Fellows Network & Community
  • 04Priority Consideration for Future Scholarship Cycles
Career Catalyst Scholarship

Our flagship award for students who take initiative.

The Career Catalyst Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate initiative, ambition, and commitment. Not just GPA. We invest in who you're becoming.

Four scholars are selected annually. Each recipient receives $5,000 in financial support, a dedicated mentor, ongoing professional development, and full access to ARC programming.

$5,000
Fall 2026 & Annual
4 Recipients per cycle
Ready to apply?

Initiative-based. We consider your story, leadership, and ambition.

Apply →
For Students

Opportunities Board

ARC is building a curated board of additional external scholarships, internships, and career programs — filtered by industry and graduation year. Launching Fall 2026.

Opening

Fall 2026

Get notified when the board goes live. Enter your email and we'll reach out.

Get Involved

There's a role for everyone here.

Students, professionals, and organizations: find your place in the ARC community.

Become an Ambassador

Represent ARC on campus, share the mission, and connect peers with scholarships, mentorship, and leadership programs.

Become a Mentor

Share your experience with the next generation. ARC mentors provide career guidance, industry insight, and long-term support.

Apply Today

Join the inaugural ARC cohort.

Applications open August 31, 2026. Be ready.

Apply for Scholarship → Questions? Contact us