Asia Kimpson, a rising sophomore from Detroit, Michigan, has been named the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Yard Ambassador & Influencer, or Yardi, at Central State University.
Established in 1987 and accredited through Charity Navigator and Guide Star, TMCF supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and predominantly Black institutions (PBIs). It has awarded over $300 million in assistance to students and member-schools since its inception, TMCF reports on its website.
The Yardi Ambassador & Influencer (YA&I) program identifies highly motivated scholars to represent TMCF on their campuses, serving as the face of the brand and creating innovative ways to introduce peers and faculty to the organization. The year-long program includes marketing, public speaking, building relationships, and developing social media skills after a two-day professional development session.
As Central State’s Yardi, Kimpson will have the opportunity to attend the award-winning TMCF Leadership Institute in the fall and have access to exclusive scholarships. Kimpson is studying business administration with a concentration in marketing and plans to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in May 2026.
Kimpson is ready to carry on a new tradition as the University’s second Yardi. Office of Career Services Director Karla Harper said Central State’s first Yardi, Brooklyn Suber, graduated in May.
“It is always a win when a student can leverage the opportunity to engage with multiple employers and then share the same opportunities with their campus community. We know Asia is going to do an amazing job,” said Harper in announcing Kimpson’s selection.
Kimpson said she genuinely appreciates the family and community atmosphere at Central State. “I feel a sense of closeness and support among individuals so strong that I rarely get any feelings of homesickness,” she added.
Kimpson decided to attend Central State after meeting university representatives at the Detroit College Expo.
“Central State University has provided me with a new sense of focus. I am in my first semester, yet I have already been blessed with numerous opportunities,” Kimpson added.
One such opportunity was The Pitch ’23, a TMCF collaboration at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina in May. “This remarkable event focused on business pitches, where students presented their innovative ideas to various companies. Out of a staggering pool of 800 applicants, I was honored to be among the 200 selected students. Continuing my journey, this month, I am on a trip to Washington, D.C., for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Yard Ambassador and Influencer Immersion program. This experience aims to equip me with the skills and knowledge to excel as a Yardie on our illustrious campus.”
Students selected for the YA&I program can earn up to $1,500 per school year, plus potential bonuses and other financial incentives. To learn more, visit the TMCF website.
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