David and Nicole Henderson Foundation

A charitable foundation established by David Henderson, II and Nicole Parris Henderson (husband and wife) dedicated to improving the wellness of underrepresented individuals through educational resources and the development of students in higher education.  Currently, the Foundation is an all-volunteer organization headquartered in Pennsylvania.

In 2008 David was diagnosed with diabetes, a disease that has taken eyesight, limbs, and the lives of several of his family members.  David was able to successfully manage his type II diabetes by dietary and lifestyle changes whereas he does not require any medication.  Since that time he has dedicated his time to promote and educate health literacy to encourage prevention and wellness.  David obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida in Computer Informational Science, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Nicole has an unwavering passion for assuring equal access to a college education for students from diverse populations.  She believes all students who have the potential and desire - no matter their location, background, or socioeconomic status - deserve the opportunity to pursue a college education. She has dedicated her life to ending the academic gap and reducing academic and non-academic barriers which prevents students from realizing their full potential.  Currently, she is the Director of Testing Services at Montgomery County Community College.  She served as the Director of the highly successful TRiO Upward Bound Partnership for Student Success.  At Chestnut Hill College Nicole served as the Director of the Action for Advancement-ACT 101 program and as the Coordinator of the McNair Scholars Program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  Nicole obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida, Master of Arts in Gifted Education from the University of South Florida and currently an Ed.D Candidate at Drexel University.

The mission of the Foundation is rooted in the 2012 Center for Disease Control’s National Center for Health Statistics 35^th annual report, Health, United States, 2011 that stated people with higher levels of education and higher income have lower rates of many chronic diseases compared to those with less education and lower income levels.   Thereby aligning both David’s dedication to promoting wellness, and Nicole’s passion for higher learning for underrepresented individuals.

The Foundation is funded through individual and corporate donations, fund raising events, grant awards, and other solicited gifts.