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D'Mitric Starke, Jr

11x

Finalist

5x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Basketball
  • Community Service And Volunteering
  • Advocacy And Activism
  • Anatomy
  • Art
  • Comedy
  • Communications
  • Biology
  • Bible Study
  • Athletic Training
  • Coding And Computer Science
  • Exercise And Fitness
  • Fashion
  • Health Sciences

Reading

  • Leadership
  • Cultural
  • Music
  • Young Adult
  • Biography
  • Business
  • How-To
  • Self-Help

I read books multiple times a week.

Bio

I am a sophomore at Winston-Salem State University, proudly attending an HBCU that supports my academic and personal growth. I’m majoring in Computer Science, with a focus on integrating technology into fields that matter deeply to me, especially sports and community health. My goal is to pursue a career in Sports Technology/Sports Medicine Therapy, combining my love for tech and athletics with a passion for physical and mental wellness. As captain of the varsity basketball team at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., I developed leadership skills and learned the value of teamwork and perseverance. Courses like AP Psychology sparked my interest in the mental side of athletic performance. To grow as a leader and prepare to make a difference, I participate in the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Development Conferences and the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute, which equips HBCU students like me with leadership tools and insight into civil rights, social justice, tech, and politics. I also take part in the Pizza Hut Foundation Mentorship Program, where monthly check-ins with mentors provide guidance and support throughout my college journey. Outside the classroom, I stay connected to service. At my church, I lead tech/media efforts and work with youth programs. I’ve also volunteered with the D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement and the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, where I served as an Omega Leader. These experiences fuel my purpose. A scholarship would help me continue this path while giving back to the communities that have poured into me.

Education

Winston-Salem State University

Bachelor's degree program

2024 – 2024

Majors:
  • Computer Programming
  • Science, Technology and Society
  • Science Technologies/Technicians, Other
  • Social Sciences, General
  • Computer Science

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

High School

2022 – 2024

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Howard University, Bowie State University, Towson University, University of Maryland-College Park, American University
Majors of interest:
Computer Science
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • IT Apprentice

    Computer Networking · DC Public Schools IT Apprenticeship Program

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2024

  • Digital Modernization Intern

    Technology · Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority

    Jan 2026 – Present

  • As a Youth Leader, I completed leadership training, participated in youth forums, helped lead government simulations, hosted visiting students, and supported community projects like school supply drives—all to uplift youth voices and drive local impact.

    Government Administration · Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute of Washington, D.C.

    Jan 2023 – Jan 2025

  • As a Courtesy Clerk, I assist customers, bag groceries, restock shelves, maintain store cleanliness, and support team operations. This role has strengthened my work ethic, communication skills, and taught me the value of teamwork and great service.

    Consumer Services · Safeway Grocery (Albertsons Companies) Summer Employment

    Jan 2023 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Computer Software
Dream career goals:
My long-term career goal is to combine computer science and sports technology to design smart systems and wearable tools that help athletes train smarter, recover faster, and make high-quality performance technology available to all communities.
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
  • Entrepreneurship
Bick First Generation Scholarship
Being first-generation means you're building the plane while you fly it. Nobody at home can tell you what a syllabus is supposed to look like, how office hours work, or especially why financial aid verification takes six weeks longer than it should. You just figure it all out because you have to, and those who are closest to me, like my little sister, would be looking and counting on me to land this. I grew up in Washington, D.C., raised by my father, who worked hard to give us a shot he never had. But growing up where I did meant education wasn't the only thing pulling at me. Community violence was close. And not something I only saw on the news, but something I watched happen to my peers that I sat next to in class. I've seen classmates become victims. I've seen friends cross into becoming the ones causing harm. Both versions of that loss stayed with me. I started to understand how thin the line can be between a kid who makes it out and a kid whose name ends up in a headline, and how much of that difference comes down to circumstance rather than character. That's part of why I chose computer science at Winston-Salem State University. I want to build sports performance technology, such as performance wearables and analytics tools that give athletes in underserved communities the same edge that kids in wealthier zip codes already have. I was my high school's varsity basketball captain, and I know from experience how much talent gets overlooked because nobody had access to the right tools. I want to be the person who puts those tools within reach. Being first-generation also means I don't get to coast. Every semester takes serious focus, and I'm already balancing a demanding course load with campus leadership and community involvement because I refuse to let where I'm from define what I'm capable of. What I carry from D.C. isn't just the hard parts. It’s also the drive to make sure the next kid from an inner-city neighborhood like mine has a shot that doesn't depend on luck. This scholarship would let me remain focused on my coursework without financial pressure pulling my attention away from it. It would mean fewer hours worried about how to cover the next bill and more hours actually building the technology I've been dreaming about since high school. It would mean my father's sacrifices, and the losses I've watched other people's families go through, weren't for nothing. I know exactly what I'm capable of. This scholarship is the room I need to finish what I already started.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., raised by my father, who worked hard so I never had to wonder whether I mattered. He didn't have much to give me in the way of money or connections, but he gave me something better, which is the belief that discipline and consistency beat almost everything else, and that belief is a part of everything I do now, and the reason I'm pursuing Computer Science at Winston-Salem State University with a clear vision of what I want that degree to do in the world. Basketball is where that vision started for me. I was varsity captain in high school, and I remember exactly what it felt like to watch talented teammates go unnoticed. Lacking talent wasn’t the issue. At all! The issue was they didn't have access to the tools that could prove it. No wearables tracking their progress, and no data showing coaches and recruiters what their bodies and instincts already knew. Meanwhile, athletes in well-funded programs had entire systems built around making sure their potential was seen. That disconnect stuck with me long after I stopped playing. The impact I want to make is very direct. I want to build modernized sports performance technology, such as performance wearables, biomechanics tools, and analytics platforms, to put in the hands of athletes in underserved communities. I want a kid in a neighborhood like the one I grew up in to have access to the same kind of data and insight that a kid at a private academy has the luxury of having access to. Technology has a way of following money. I want to build something that follows talent instead. The people who inspire me are people that I actually know, not people that I aspire to know, and they're embedded in my everyday life. My father, who showed me that showing up every day is its own form of ambition. My teammates, who worked just as hard as anyone but never got the recognition or resources they deserved. And now, through my roles as President of the DMV Metro Rams Club and Student Ambassador at WSSU, the students I have the honor of leading and mentoring remind me constantly that leadership means paying attention to what people actually need, and not what's easiest to give them. Sloane Stephens' story resonates with me because her foundation didn't wait until she'd achieved everything to start giving back. She built it at twenty in the middle of her own rise, and that's the model I want to follow. I don't wish to wait until I've "made it" to start building the technology I care about. I'm already laying the groundwork now, through my coursework and through leadership programs like the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute. This scholarship would let me stay focused on my growth without financial pressure pulling my attention away from it. The change I'm determined to create is to make sure the next kid who reminds me of myself doesn't have to wonder if anyone's paying attention. I want to be the reason they get seen.
Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
Winner
Faith arrived in the quiet moments at home in the repeated acts of watching my father get up every day and do what needed to be done, even when the day gave him no reason to believe it would work out. He raised my sister and me on his own, and I don't remember him ever sitting us down to talk about God. He just lived like someone who trusted there was a plan bigger than the immediate circumstances. That's the first place I learned what faith actually looks like. Not as a feeling, but a practice. I found out how real that faith was the year my dad lost his job, right as I was getting ready to leave for college. There's a specific kind of fear that comes with watching the person who's held everything together suddenly have the ground shift under him at the exact moment you're to step out on your own. I remember wondering whether the timing had just ruined everything and I should stay home. My dad didn't panic in front of us. He kept looking for work, paying what he could, and telling me to continue with enrollment like it was already decided. I didn't understand then, but that was faith! Not certain that everything will work out, but the decision to act like it will while you're in the middle of the unknown. That kind of faith followed me onto the basketball court. As high school team captain, I was responsible for holding my teenage peers together through losing streaks, injuries, and the ordinary friction of a season. I couldn't control the scoreboard, but I could control showing up prepared and treating my teammates with the respect they deserved even when I was frustrated with them. Now, as a junior computer science major at Winston-Salem State University, I'm working toward something specific: building sports performance technology, such as wearables, biomechanics tools, and analytics platforms that are actually accessible to athletes in under-resourced communities, not just the ones who can already afford a personal trainer and personalized data resources. I think about this goal as an extension of what I watched my father do that year. He didn't have much, and he still found a way to make sure his kids had what they needed. I want to build tools that do something of a similar scale; giving young athletes who look like the kid I used to be a real shot at understanding and improving their own bodies, regardless of their zip code or their family's income. I believe my faith will carry directly into that work. Building technology for people who usually get overlooked takes a willingness to keep believing in the work anyway. You have to keep going long after the market logic would tell you to build for customers who can already pay. That belief is faith in practice, which is believing the work is worth doing because it's right, not because it's guaranteed to pay off on a predictable timeline. It also means staying honest about how I build and who I build for, even when cutting corners would be easier and possibly more profitable. Integrity isn't a value I'll try to circle back to once I'm successful. It's the only way I know how to build something that will last. My father taught me that faith looks like getting up and showing up when nothing guarantees the outcome. I plan to carry that into a career built on the same idea.
ESOF Academic Scholarship
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I watched my father build a life for my sister and me out of long hours and hard choices. He didn't have a blueprint for raising two kids alone, so he made one as he went — showing up to every practice, every parent-teacher conference, every moment that mattered, even when he was running on empty. That example shaped how I think about goals: you don't wait for the ideal conditions to pursue something worthwhile. You start with what you have, and you keep building. That's the mindset I've carried into my studies as a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University. My educational goal is straightforward: I want to graduate with the technical depth to build systems that solve real problems, not just pass classes. But the professional goal underneath that is more specific. I want to build AI-driven sports performance technology — wearables, biomechanics tools, analytics platforms — that's actually accessible to athletes who don't have access to it right now. I came to this goal through basketball. I was a varsity captain in high school, and I saw firsthand how much of an advantage comes from the kind of data-driven training that well-funded programs take for granted — motion tracking, load management, personalized recovery plans. Athletes in under-resourced communities are just as talented, just as driven, but they're often working with a fraction of the tools. I don't think that's a talent problem. I think it's an access problem, and it's one that technology is well-positioned to solve if it's built with the right communities in mind from the start, instead of trickling down to them last. That's the company or lab I want to end up building or working for: one that treats accessible sports tech as the whole point, not an afterthought. To get there, I know I need more than a diploma. I'm treating my time at WSSU as a training ground for the kind of leadership and technical fluency that job will require. I'm a Student Ambassador for the university, and I was elected President of the DMV Metro Rams Club this past spring — a role that's taught me more about organizing people around a shared goal than any single class has. Through the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund's leadership conference, I've had the chance to learn directly from people who've built real institutions and real careers, and to start thinking seriously about what it takes to do the same. None of that means much to me without the service piece, though. My commitment to public service is something I've built into my actual schedule, going back to before I got to WSSU. Since May of this year, I've served as a Market Leader with Martha's Table, running community grocery markets at elementary schools that put free produce and pantry staples directly into the hands of families who need them. It's simple, unglamorous work — setting up tables, organizing food, talking to parents picking up groceries for their kids — but it's also some of the most immediate, tangible service I've ever done. You see the impact the same day. That commitment goes back further through The Church Without Walls, where I've logged more than 500 hours as a Homeless Outreach Volunteer and as a Media and Technology Advisor, helping the organization use its digital presence to reach more people who need support. I've also worked alongside the D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement, supporting efforts to keep young people in my community safe and connected to opportunity instead of falling through the cracks. What ties all of this together — the coursework, the leadership roles, the volunteer hours — is a belief I picked up from watching my father: that showing up consistently, for people who are counting on you, is where real change actually comes from. It's not glamorous. It's groceries on a table, a conversation with someone who needs to be heard, a leadership meeting that runs long because the details matter. But it adds up. I want my career to work the same way. I don't want to build AI sports technology that exists to impress investors or win awards. I want to build tools that end up in the hands of a kid on a court in a neighborhood like the one I grew up in — a kid who deserves the same shot at excellence as anyone with access to a private trainer and a full analytics team. That's the goal I'm working toward every day at WSSU, and it's the same goal that's kept me showing up to serve my community long before I ever needed a scholarship essay to explain why.
Christian Fitness Association General Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., raised by my father. He worked long hours and still made it to every basketball game he could, still sat at the kitchen table helping me with homework after a full shift, and still found a way to make sure I had what I needed even when money was tight. I watched him do the math on bills more times than I can count, and just from that, I learned that every dollar has to be planned for before it can be spent. That's the very same lens that I bring to college. Every semester at Winston-Salem State University is something I've had to fight for. It wasn’t handed to me, and I don't take a single one for granted. I'm a rising junior computer science major, and I chose this field because I want to build something meaningful, which is sports performance technology that's actually accessible to athletes who don't have access to elite training facilities or expensive biomechanics labs. I was a varsity basketball captain in high school, and I know from that experience how much of an athlete's development comes down to resources nobody talks about, such as who has access to film breakdown, recovery tools, or someone tracking their mechanics over time, and who doesn't. The technology to close that kind of divide in ability exists. It's just priced for programs that already have everything. I want to be part of changing who gets to use it, because talent shouldn't be measured by the zip code you live in. Outside the classroom, I try to invest my time in work that actually matters. I serve as a Martha's Table Market Leader, which means I help run community grocery markets at elementary schools, getting fresh produce and pantry staples to families who need them. I've logged over 500 hours with The Church Without Walls, where I've worked as a Youth Media and Technology Advisor and have done homeless outreach. I enjoy showing up, talking to people, and treating them like they matter, because they do! I've also worked with the D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. I know what it looks like when people don't have enough because I’ve been there myself, and I wish to commit to doing something about it. On campus, I was elected President of the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia Metro Rams Club this past spring, which means I'm now responsible for keeping alumni and current students from the D.C. metropolitan area connected to WSSU and to each other. I'm also a Student Ambassador and a participant in Rams HOPE, supporting student mental health on campus. Beyond WSSU, I was selected for the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute through the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, and I attended the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership & Development Conference. Earlier on, I came up through the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute of Washington, D.C., as an Omega Leader. Every one of these has taught me something different about leadership, but the common denominator is that I keep choosing rooms where I'm expected to show up prepared and follow through, and I keep proving that I can. None of this changes the fact that college is expensive in ways that are hard to explain to people who haven't lived it. In addition to the tuition, it's the textbook that costs more than my grocery budget for the month, and the fees nobody mentions until it's already on the bill. I've been up against this, and I imagine many of the applicants writing to you have too. I'm asking for help because I’ve worked very hard to earn my place at WSSU; however, working hard has never been the part that was missing. The money is. I think about my father a lot when I think about why I do any of this. He didn't have a lot of options handed to him either, and he built a life for me anyway, out of long shifts and careful budgeting and showing up for my little sister and me, even when he was tired. I want the years I put into a computer science degree to mean the same for other people. I want an athlete somewhere who doesn't have access to a private trainer and a sports science lab to still have a chance at understanding their own body and improving because of a tool I helped to build. I know that isn’t a small goal and the road to that may be long, but I’m willing to go the distance for this. What I can promise is that I won't waste this scholarship! I've spent my time in college focused on staying involved in my community and trying to be the kind of person my father raised me to be, which is someone who shows up and looks out for people who don't have as much as they need. A scholarship from Christian Fitness Association Inc. would ease a semester's stress and would be one less thing in the way of me and a college degree I plan to use for something bigger than myself.
Charles B. Brazelton Memorial Scholarship
Reading about Charles made me smile. I honestly laughed a little. A left-handed kid who insisted on shooting with his right hand, and was somehow terrible at basketball but incredible in the pool. That's such a specific, human kind of stubborn. It's the type of story that makes someone feel real, rather than just a name attached to a scholarship, and I appreciate that his family chose to share that. My "awkward thing" is honestly a little embarrassing to admit. I'm the guy who color-codes everything! I was the varsity basketball captain in high school, so people assumed the kid with the captain title was some kind of natural athlete who just showed up and balled out. That's not really the story. What actually made me good wasn't raw talent. It was that I turned basketball into a spreadsheet. I tracked my free-throw percentage by day of the week. I had color-coded notes on which defenders gave me trouble and why. My teammates used to clown me constantly, because who brings a legal pad to practice? But it worked! And somewhere along the way, I realized the thing people were laughing at was actually the thing that made me useful. That habit followed me straight into being a Computer Science major, which probably makes too much sense in hindsight. I still color-code my class notes. I still track things; obsessively sometimes, my grades, my hours, my to-do lists, broken down by priority and due date, because apparently regular to-do lists aren't specific enough for me. My little sister thinks it's ridiculous. My dad calls me "the accountant" as a joke, even though I've never taken an accounting class in my life. I've just always been the person who needs to see the pattern before I trust it. It's a small thing, but I think it says something bigger about who I really am. I'm not the loudest person in the room, and I was never the flashiest player on the court. What I bring is consistency and structure. I'm willing to sit with the boring, unglamorous part of a problem until it actually makes sense, instead of chasing whatever looks impressive in the moment. It's not a trait that gets you clowned any less, honestly. My teammates still bring up the legal pad. But I've stopped being embarrassed by it, because it's just how I'm wired, and I'd rather be the person who actually knows my free-throw percentage than the person who guesses. So I guess my "awkward" thing turned out to be the thing I'm proudest of. Charles found his in the pool. I found mine in a spreadsheet!
Dr. Junior Gentles Memorial Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., raised by my father, who worked hard so I never had to wonder whether I mattered. He didn't have a lot to give me in the way of money or connections, but he gave me something better: the belief that discipline and consistency beat almost everything else. That belief is the foundation of who I am now; a junior Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University, and someone who takes education seriously because I know exactly what it took to get here. Reading about Dr. Gentles' life, I recognized something familiar in it. He didn't treat education as a reward for people who already had it easy. He treated it as the tool that levels the field for everyone else. That's exactly how I've come to see it, too. Growing up without much money teaches you fast that education is one of the only things nobody can take from you once you have it. It's not abstract for me. It's the mechanism that turns a kid from D.C. with no resources into someone who can build things that matter. Basketball taught me a parallel lesson. As varsity captain in high school, I learned that leadership isn't being the loudest person in the room. It's about showing up prepared, holding yourself accountable, and making the people around you better. I carry that into everything I do now, from my coursework to my role as President of the DMV Metro Rams Club to my work as a Student Ambassador at WSSU. My goal is to build sports performance technology, such as wearables, biomechanics tools, and analytics platforms, that give athletes in under-resourced communities the same edge that well-funded programs have had for years. Growing up, I watched talented players go unnoticed simply because they didn't have access to the tools that track and prove their potential. I want computer science to be the thing that changes that for the next generation coming up the way I did. Programs like the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership & Development Conference have already shaped how I think about that goal. Not just as a technical problem, but as a question of who technology is actually built for. This scholarship would let me keep moving toward that future without financial strain pulling my focus away from my education. Every dollar I don't have to worry about is a dollar of attention I get back for my coursework, my leadership roles, and the early groundwork for the technology I want to build. Dr. Gentles believed small acts of generosity could create a lasting impact. I'd like the chance to prove that belief right by building something that creates that same kind of impact for someone else.
WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I watched my dad hold everything together on his own. There was never a semester of "extra" money sitting around for things like SAT prep courses or private coaches. What we had was consistency. He showed up every day, worked hard, and made sure I understood that effort was non-negotiable even when resources were tight. That upbringing is the reason I know exactly what it means to want something bigger than your circumstances and have to fight for the room to go get it. I'm currently a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, and higher education isn't an abstract idea to me. It's the only realistic bridge between where I started and where I'm trying to go. My goal is to build sports performance technology, such as wearables and analytics tools, that give athletes in under-resourced communities the same kind of data and feedback that wealthier programs have access to regularly. I was a varsity basketball captain in high school, and I saw how talented players were passed because no one had the tools to show them what they had the potential to do. The divide between talent and access is exactly what I want to spend my career closing, and I can't do that without a strong technical education first. A degree isn't optional for what I want to build. Machine learning, biomechanics, data systems — none of that is something I can pick up casually on the side. It requires real coursework, mentorship, and the kind of structured learning environment a university provides. Every class I take in algorithms and data structures is a direct investment in a platform I plan to actually launch. That's part of why I take my coursework as seriously as I do. I'm pursuing my degree because it's the only path to the specific skill set my future company needs. Outside the classroom, I've tried to live out the same values my dad modeled for me. I serve as a Student Ambassador at WSSU and as President of the DMV Metro Rams Club, connecting students from my hometown to opportunities at school. I also work as a Media and Technology Youth Advisor and Homeless Outreach Volunteer with The Church Without Walls, where I set up livestreams, manage tech for outreach events, and spend two weekends per month distributing meals and clothing. I do this because I believe in showing up for people the way my dad showed up for the kids in our community on his rec league teams, most of whom didn't have shoes that fit right or a parent who could make every game. Financially, this scholarship would mean something very concrete. Like a lot of first-generation and low-income students, I'm constantly doing math in my head — tuition against loans, loans against how much debt I'm willing to graduate with, debt against how much room that leaves me to actually build something after graduation instead of just paying it off for the next several years. Every scholarship I receive is one less loan, which means one more year after graduation, where I can take a risk on my own idea instead of playing it safe because I'm buried in payments. If I receive this scholarship, it would be an investment in a platform I plan to build specifically for kids who look like the ones I grew up playing with — kids with real talent and no access. My plan after graduation is to go directly into sports technology and wearable health data roles to build real-world experience, then launch my own company that partners with community centers, public schools, and HBCUs to put performance technology into the hands of athletes who would otherwise never see it. This scholarship would give me some relief from carrying that weight alone — and relief is what turns a hard path into one I can actually finish.
Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I watched my father hold our household together. He didn't have a blueprint; he just adapted by figuring it out and kept going. That's the mentality he passed down to me in approaching every challenge I've ever faced, including choosing what to do with my life. I chose Computer Science because I saw a problem I couldn't stop thinking about. Athletes in my neighborhood; talented and disciplined kids, were getting hurt and never fully recovering to return to sports. This wasn’t because they weren't strong enough, but there wasn’t anyone tracking what their bodies were telling them. The data existed. The technology existed. The will to apply it to kids from underserved communities didn't. That divide is what I'm working toward building to close. I'm currently a junior at Winston-Salem State University, one of the nation's leading HBCUs for STEM education. My focus is AI-driven sports performance technology, such as wearables, biomechanical analysis, and injury prevention systems. The same infrastructure that professional franchises invest millions into, redesigned for youth programs and underfunded schools. This would be for the under-resourced who grew up just like me. The kids whose coaches don't have the budget for a trainer, let alone a motion capture lab. I've moved past just learning the concepts. I'm starting to understand how to build with them. Being a first-generation college student from D.C. means I carry a different kind of motivation into every classroom. I'm here because the underserved communities I come from have always produced brilliance that the system wasn't designed to see. My presence in STEM is intentional. Every algorithm I learn, the systems that I’m learning to build, and each problem I solve is one step closer to technology that actually reaches the people who need it most. Outside the classroom, I serve as President of the DMV Metro Rams Club, a campus Student Ambassador, a participant in a peer mentorship and mental health initiative called Rams HOPE, and a volunteer for homeless outreach through The Church Without Walls. I mention this to explain how I think: community first, always. What I build will be built with that in mind. After graduation, I plan to launch a company developing affordable, AI-powered athletic performance tools specifically designed for underserved schools and youth programs. Injury prevention insights shouldn’t be a luxury. The same resources available to youth participating in more affluent and elite youth programs should be available to a 16-year-old in Southeast D.C. who has just as much talent and twice as much to lose. STEM has given me a language for a problem I've been trying to solve since I was old enough to watch people I love get overlooked. I'm pursuing a degree to build something of significance, and the Stephan L. Daniels Lift As We Climb Scholarship would help me to build it faster.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
My father never had much, but he gave everything he had. Growing up in the inner city of Washington, D.C., I watched him work long hours and still find time to check on and help our elderly neighbors and church members, and remind me constantly that we were never too tired or too busy to help someone else. As a smaller kid, you could sometimes look at it as an inconvenience, but as you get older, you begin to see the point of it all. This was a lesson taught and lived every single day, and this upbringing is why service feels like home to me. Service has taken many forms for me. Most of it has been rooted in my work with The Church Without Walls over the years, where I serve as the Media and Technology Youth Advisor and participate in homeless outreach. I've sat across from people who had nothing and talked with them like they were everything, because they are. I've learned that showing up matters more than having the answer or the perfect solution. Sometimes people don't always need resources; they need to feel seen. Through Winston-Salem State University Rams HOPE, I collaborate with peers to promote mental health awareness and connect students with resources they need to stay well, while also mentoring middle schoolers to build the confidence they need to take their education seriously. I also served as an Omega Leader through the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, mentoring younger students from D.C. neighborhoods that look a lot like the one I grew up in. That role taught me something I didn't expect, which is that giving back isn't a one-way street. Those same young people, who weren’t too much younger than me, pushed me to be sharper and more honest about what kind of person I wanted to become. Now, as a Computer Science major at WSSU, I'm building toward something bigger. My goal is to develop AI-driven sports performance technology, such as wearables, biomechanics tools, and injury prevention analytics platforms, designed specifically for athletes in underserved communities. Right now, that kind of technology is expensive and inaccessible for many. Talented kids in under-resourced programs are left behind because the systems meant to develop that talent were never built with them in mind, and I want to change that. Making an impact on the world sounds like a grand gesture, but it's the consistent work of showing up for your community, some of whom happen to be strangers who need someone in their corner. I've seen what happens when people pour into others without expecting anything back. My father did that, and the leaders at my church do also. I want to carry that forward in everything I build. The technology I create will open doors for young athletes who deserve the same shot as athletes in more affluent and elite programs, showing that the most powerful tools are ones built with people at the center.
GD Sandeford Memorial Scholarship
My father didn’t finish college. He raised me in Washington, D.C., figuring things out as he went with no blueprint, no safety net, just consistency and will, and that's the foundation I stand on. When I think about what I want to do with my Computer Science degree, I keep coming back to the same question he never got to ask: what would've been possible with the right tools and the right support at the right time? I'm a junior at Winston-Salem State University, one of the nation's leading HBCUs for STEM, and my focus is on AI-driven sports performance technology. Wearables, biomechanical modeling, and injury prevention systems. The kind of infrastructure that professional sports franchises invest millions into. The kind that youth programs in inner city communities like mine have never had access to. That's the divide I look forward to changing. The athletes I grew up around were talented. Some were exceptional. But talent without support has a short shelf life, and without the data-driven tools that could've tracked overuse injuries, flagged fatigue patterns, or extended their athletic careers, a lot of them washed out before they ever had a real shot. I was basketball captain in high school and saw it firsthand. The difference between a kid who makes it and one who doesn't is rarely talent; it's resources. After graduation, my goal is to contribute to or launch a company that makes AI-powered athletic performance tools accessible at the youth and high school level in underserved communities. The same injury prevention insights available to more affluent and elite youth programs should be available to a teen athlete from the inner city. He or she also deserves access to the same data, the same technology, and the same shot at longevity. But my vision for community impact extends beyond sports technology. I currently volunteer through The Church Without Walls, where I serve as Media and Technology Advisor and support homeless outreach initiatives. I participate in Rams HOPE, a peer mentorship and mental health program at WSSU. Programs like the D.C. Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute and the National Black College Hall of Fame’s Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute showed me what investment actually looks like. Each of those experiences taught me the same thing: that people from my community don't lack potential, they lack access. My degree is how I build that access; concretely, deliberately, and with full knowledge of what it means to grow up in a community that the system was never designed to prioritize. I'm not the first person from my neighborhood to have ambition. But I intend to be one of the ones who comes back with something to show for it — technology that works for the people who need it most, built by someone who knows exactly who they are.
HBCU LegaSeed Scholarship
My father never told me college was guaranteed. He told me it was possible. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I watched people I loved make choices that had nothing to do with laziness or lack of ambition. They just never saw a door open for them. My father raised me, and the one thing he never let me lose was the belief that my circumstances were my starting point, not my finish line. That belief got tested. There were moments when the weight of what we didn't have pressed harder than anything a classroom could throw at me. Stability wasn't something I could take for granted. Neither was the assumption that higher education was meant for someone like me. My father never walked across a graduation stage with a college degree in hand. I had no blueprint. What I had was a father who showed up every single day and a determination that I wasn't going to let where I started define where I ended. When I arrived at Winston-Salem State University, I immediately understood that I was somewhere that actually saw me. An HBCU doesn't just educate you, it tells you that your story belongs in academic spaces. That realization hit different when you've spent years wondering if it did. I'm studying Computer Science, and my goal is to build sports performance technology specifically for athletes from underserved communities. I've seen what it looks like when talented young people don't have access to the same resources as their wealthier counterparts; no biomechanics labs, no injury-tracking systems, no performance data. The gap isn't talent. It's access, and I want to close it with technology. That work started before college. I was the captain of my varsity basketball team, and in college, I participate in a peer mentorship and mental health initiative called Rams HOPE, serve as a Student Ambassador, and serve as President of the DMV Metro Rams Club. I volunteer with The Church Without Walls, where I've put in over 500 hours in homeless outreach. Those hours aren't extracurriculars to me. They're the direct result of knowing what it feels like to need a hand and not find one. My background didn't hand me advantages, but it handed me clarity. I know exactly who I'm building for, because I grew up around them. I know what it costs a family when systems aren't designed with them in mind, because I lived that. And I know that the version of me sitting in a computer science lecture at an HBCU is proof that the cycle can break. And not just for me, but for everyone watching to see if it's possible. The legacy I'm building is a door that I'm leaving open. Every first-generation student behind me deserves to see someone who looked like them, came from where they came from, and made it through anyway. My father told me it was possible. Now I'm proving it.
7023 Minority Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., in a household held together by one person, my father. He worked long hours, stretched every dollar, and never once made me or my sister feel like we were missing anything essential. What he gave me was perspective over money. He showed me, without ever saying it directly, that showing up for people is the most powerful thing you can do, and that’s stayed with me. That's the foundation of who I am, and everything I do now is built upon it. I'm a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU in North Carolina. My major is a personal mission. I've watched talented athletes from my community get overlooked and underserved because the technology designed to give them an edge was never built with them in mind. Tools such as performance analytics, biomechanics tools, and wearable injury tracking devices exist, but they're expensive, inaccessible, and often designed around the needs of athletes who already have access to resources. I'm building toward changing that. My long-term goal is to create sports performance technology specifically designed for athletes from underserved communities; the kids who have just as much drive and potential as anyone else, but not the same access. Service isn't separate from that goal. It's the same goal, expressed differently. Through The Church Without Walls, I've logged over 500 hours of community service, serving as the Youth Media and Technology Advisor and participating in homeless outreach. Every time I’ve helped someone who just needed someone to show up, I think about my father. I think about the athletes I want to serve. Just a consistent presence is its own form of impact. At WSSU, I participate in Rams HOPE, a student organization focused on mental health awareness and peer mentorship. I also serve as President of the DMV Metro Rams Club, representing students from the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, and I work as a Student Ambassador for my university. These roles are practice. Every conversation I lead, every student I connect with, and every resource I help someone find, is all building the same thing: a habit of service and a belief that I can help people better when I understand what they need. I think about Addie James Hamerter and what it means to have a "strategic mind" dedicated to justice. She didn't wait until she had every resource or platform. She moved with what she had. That's the model I try to follow. I don't have a lab or a startup yet, but I have skills, I have the drive, and I have communities that need what I'm working toward. If awarded this scholarship, it would do something very direct. It would reduce the financial weight that has followed me since I started college. When you're working to stay enrolled and paying for school while supporting yourself, every scholarship matters concretely. This award would allow me to stay focused on my coursework and research, maintain my service commitments, and keep moving toward the work I know I'm meant to do. Addie Hamerter dedicated her life to making sure people had access to education, to dignity, and to a future. I'm trying to carry that same commitment forward, through every line of code I write and every person I show up for.
Gladys Ruth Legacy “Service“ Memorial Scholarship
I've never fit neatly into one box. I'm a computer science major who grew up playing basketball. A technologist who does homeless outreach on weekends. A student leader who still calls his dad when things get hard. Most people who meet me try to figure out which version is the real one. The answer is all of them. Growing up in Washington, D.C., being "different" wasn't always celebrated. There's a particular kind of pressure in cities like D.C. You're supposed to pick a lane and stay in it. But my dad raised me to resist that. Not loudly, not rebelliously, just quietly and consistently. He showed me that the most interesting people are the ones who refuse to be flattened into a single identity. I took that seriously. At Winston-Salem State University, I'm a sophomore Computer Science major, Student Ambassador, and President of the DMV Metro Rams Club. I work with Rams HOPE, a mental health and mentorship initiative on campus, because I believe that showing up for people emotionally is just as important as showing up professionally. I volunteer at The Church Without Walls, doing community outreach. None of those things feel contradictory to me. They all come from the same place; a genuine belief that people deserve to be seen and supported. My career goal sits at an intersection most people don't expect. I want to build performance technology for athletes from underserved communities. Wearables, biomechanics tools, predictive models. The kind of data-driven resources that affluent programs have access to regularly, made accessible to kids who have the talent but not the infrastructure. I came up around athletes who deserved better tools, and I plan to build them. That idea came directly from being unapologetically myself. I didn't abandon my love of basketball when I chose computer science. I didn't leave my community behind when I went to college. Instead, I let those two worlds talk to each other, and what came of that was a purpose I genuinely believe in. Gladys Ruth's message lands differently when you've actually lived it. Being yourself isn't just a motivational phrase. It's a daily decision, especially when the world keeps offering you templates that don't quite fit. I've turned down a lot of that. Not out of stubbornness, but because I've learned that the most useful thing I can offer anyone; a mentee, a peer, a student I'm advising, is an honest version of myself. Not a polished performance of what a leader is supposed to look like. The difference I try to make in people's lives isn't loud. It's consistent. It's being the person who checks in after a hard week. It's mentoring younger students who feel out of place on a college campus because nobody in their family went to college before them. It's building technology with the specific intention of closing gaps I've watched widen my entire life. I don't make a difference despite who I am. I make a difference because of it.
Dinakara Rao Memorial Scholarship
Nobody in my family had gone to college before me. That sentence used to feel like a disclaimer. Now it feels like context — the most important kind. Growing up in Washington, D.C., raised by my father, I learned that the path forward wasn't something anyone was going to hand to me. My dad didn't have a roadmap either. What he had was discipline, a belief that education was the only door that opened from the inside, and a willingness to figure things out without a safety net. He passed all three of those things down to me. Being a first-generation college student means you carry more than a backpack to campus. You carry the weight of everyone who didn't get to go, and the quiet pressure of everyone who's watching to see if you make it. At Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU, I discovered something I didn't know I needed: a place that acknowledged weight and didn't treat it as a liability. My institution has a long history of producing graduates who go back and build. That's not accidental. It's by design. And it's shaped who I'm becoming. My career goal is to build sports performance technology for athletes from underserved communities — wearable sensors, biomechanics tools, predictive models that give a kid from the inner city the same competitive data that more resourced athletes have access to on a regular basis. I've watched too many talented people get overlooked, not because they lacked ability, but because they lacked access. I grew up around that gap and I intend to close it. That goal didn't come out of nowhere. It stemmed from years of community work — from the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, where I served as an Omega Leader; from Rams HOPE, a mental health and mentorship initiative on campus; and from The Church Without Walls, where I conduct outreach and volunteer work. Service has never felt optional to me. It's always been a part of how I understand my own purpose. Dinakara Rao's story resonates with me in a way I didn't fully expect when I first read it. The idea of someone choosing education so deliberately and running toward it when others might have run away, is something I recognize. My father made choices like that. Quiet, costly, determined choices that didn't come with applause but made everything after them possible. I'm the after. And I understand now that my job is to make sure there's an after for someone else, too. This scholarship represents recognition. Recognition that students who carry the weight of being first, who build without blueprints, who serve while they study, belong in rooms like this one. That kind of affirmation matters, especially when the path you're on has no family precedent to follow. I intend to honor that investment the same way Dinakara Rao honored his opportunity: by reaching back and pulling someone else forward.
Let Your Light Shine Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., watching talent walk out the door. Not because kids lacked ability — they had plenty of it. But because the resources that could have developed that ability never showed up. No advanced training. No performance technology. No data-driven coaching that could have identified a stress fracture before it became a career-ending injury. Just raw talent, limited support, and a system that wasn't built with them in mind. That's the problem I'm building my life around solving. My goal is to found a company that develops sports performance technology — wearables, biomechanics tools, and recovery systems — specifically designed for athletes from underserved communities. Right now, that technology exists. It's just locked inside professional franchises and elite programs that already have every other advantage. My business will change that equation. I want the kid at a Title I high school in D.C. to have access to the same performance insights as a five-star recruit at a Power Five program. Talent is evenly distributed. Opportunity is not. That gap is where my company will live. As a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University and a varsity basketball captain, I sit at the exact intersection this work requires. I understand the athlete's experience from the inside — the grind, the injuries, the moments where better information could have meant a better outcome. And I'm building the technical skills to do something about it. Entrepreneurship, for me, isn't a career path. It's the most direct route to the change I've already committed to making. My legacy won't just be a product. It will be the athletes whose trajectories changed because the right tool reached them at the right time. Shining my light means doing that work on three levels simultaneously. First, through the technology itself — building systems that create access where there was none. Second, through mentorship — as a Student Ambassador and Rams HOPE member, I already show up for students who need someone to believe in them before they believe in themselves. That doesn't stop when I graduate. Third, through faith — at The Church Without Walls, I've learned that purpose isn't something you find, it's something you practice. Every volunteer hour, every student I've sat with, every system I've helped build has been preparation for the entrepreneur I'm becoming. Entrepreneurs don't wait for permission to start. They see the gap, count the cost, and move anyway. I've seen the gap my whole life. I've counted the cost. I'm moving.
Forever90 Scholarship
Service was never something I chose. It was something I inherited. My father raised me in Washington, D.C., and he did it without excuses and without an audience. He worked long hours, showed up to every game, and still found time to check on neighbors who needed it. He never called it service. He just called it being a person. That early model — quiet, consistent, unglamorous — is the foundation on which everything else I've built has been laid. He taught me that you don't wait until you have everything figured out to start giving. You give from where you are, with what you have, right now. Faith deepened that foundation. As a volunteer and Media and Technology Advisor at The Church Without Walls, I found a place where service and skill could meet. I bring my Computer Science background to a community that needs technology but doesn't always have access to the people who understand it. Whether I'm supporting digital outreach, helping expand our reach to members who can't be physically present, or troubleshooting systems that keep the ministry running, I'm doing what my father modeled — showing up with what I have, for people who need it. Faith, for me, has never been separate from action. It's the reason for it. On campus at Winston-Salem State University, that same impulse led me to Rams HOPE and my role as a Student Ambassador. I work with students who are navigating financial hardship, academic pressure, and the kind of quiet discouragement that doesn't always show up on a transcript. I know that discouragement personally. Coming from a single-income household in D.C., college wasn't guaranteed — it was fought for. I've sat with students who were one bad semester away from walking away entirely, and I've learned that sometimes the most powerful thing you can offer isn't an answer — it's your presence and your honesty that it gets better. These three threads — home, faith, and campus — aren't separate chapters. They're the same story told in different rooms. Mrs. Makins understood that education without service is incomplete. I believe that too. My degree in Computer Science is not just a credential I'm earning for myself. It is the tool I intend to use to address the gaps I've watched hold my community back — in educational access, in technological literacy, in economic opportunity. I'm building toward a career focused on AI-driven technology for underserved communities, because I've seen firsthand what happens when talented people are handed barriers instead of resources. Service is how I got here, and it's how I plan to lead from here. Mrs. Makins gave ninety years to that principle, and I'm just getting started.
Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., raised by my father, who worked, sacrificed, and showed up — every single day — without an audience and without complaint. He wasn't looking for recognition. He just believed that the people in his care deserved his best, regardless of the cost to himself. That's the first definition of service I ever received, and it's the one I've measured everything against since. Sgt. Albert Dono Ware carried that same definition across an ocean and into a combat zone. He chose to serve a country that was not his birthplace, gave six years of his life to it, and ultimately gave everything. What strikes me most about his legacy isn't just the bravery — it's the consistency. Service wasn't a moment for him. It was a posture. A way of moving through the world that said: I am here for something bigger than myself. That posture is what I've tried to carry into every space I've entered. At Winston-Salem State University, I serve as a Student Ambassador and a member of Rams HOPE, showing up for prospective and current students who are navigating the same uncertainties I faced coming in. At The Church Without Walls, I volunteer as a Media and Technology Advisor, using the skills I'm building in Computer Science to serve a community that needs those skills but can't always access them. In every role, the through-line is the same: show up, bring what you have, and leave the space better than you found it. But service without honesty is incomplete. And the truth is that the communities I come from — Black and African diaspora communities across this country — are still fighting battles that should have been settled by now. Two of the most urgent are educational inequity and the digital divide, and they are not separate problems. They are the same wound with two entry points. Black students in under-resourced schools are not only receiving less access to advanced coursework and college preparation — they are being left behind in the technological literacy that now determines economic mobility. Broadband access, device availability, and digital education infrastructure remain deeply unequal along racial and economic lines. When I look at where AI and technology are taking the workforce, I see a future that could either close that gap or make it permanent. Which direction it goes depends entirely on the choices we make right now. The policy reforms I believe are most critical start with equitable funding for public schools in low-income districts — not charity, but structural reallocation that reflects what communities actually need. Alongside that, federal and state investment in broadband infrastructure for underserved areas must be treated with the same urgency as highway construction was in the last century. Access to the internet is no longer optional. It is the infrastructure of opportunity. But policy alone won't move this. The stakeholders who matter most are the ones closest to the problem. That means community organizations, HBCUs, local school boards, and tech companies — not just as donors, but as active partners in designing solutions. It means youth who are living inside these systems need seats at the table where decisions about those systems are made. And it means people like me — students who came up through the gap — have a responsibility to turn around and pull others through. Sgt. Ware didn't wait for perfect conditions to serve. He went where the need was greatest and gave what he had. That's the standard. I don't know every policy lever that will fix what's broken. But I know that service — real service, sustained and sacrificial — is how every meaningful change in this country has ever started. I intend to be part of that. Not someday. Now.
Tawkify Meaningful Connections Scholarship
The neighborhood I grew up in, in Washington, D.C., taught me two things simultaneously: how powerful human connection can be, and how quickly it can disappear. I watched neighbors who had known each other for decades slowly stop sitting on their porches. Not because something in particular happened, but because something in particular happened around them. Phones got smarter. Porches got quieter. The same people who used to argue about football scores over the fence started scrolling past each other's lives on a screen instead of living beside them in real time. I was young, but I still noticed. The connection was fading, and it was being replaced by something that looked like a connection, but it wasn’t. Growing up with my father, who poured everything into raising me, I learned that real relationships require presence. My father didn't just provide, he showed up. At games, at school meetings, and in uncomfortable conversations, but necessary ones. He modeled something I didn't have language for then, but understand very clearly now, that authentic connection isn't passive. It's a choice you make, repeatedly, even when it's inconvenient. That lesson followed me into everything I've built since. As a Student Ambassador and member of Rams HOPE at Winston-Salem State University, I've watched the same tension I saw in D.C. play out on a college campus. Students are more digitally connected than any generation before us, and lonelier than most. We have group chats for everything and a genuine community for very little. Ironically, the most sophisticated communication infrastructure in human history has been built, and somehow we're still struggling to feel known. But I don't think technology is the enemy. I think intention is the missing ingredient. At The Church Without Walls, where I serve as a Media and Technology Advisor, I've seen what happens when technology is used as a bridge rather than a substitute. We reach people who can't physically be present. We create space for conversations that geography would otherwise prevent. Technology doesn't replace relationships. It extends it. That distinction matters more than most people realize. The future of human connection won't be saved by logging off. That's not realistic, and honestly, it's not necessary. What it requires is something harder: the discipline to use our tools intentionally, the courage to be present even when distraction is just a click away, and the humility to recognize that being heard is not the same as being seen. I think about the athletes I've played alongside as a varsity basketball captain. Trust between teammates isn't built in the group chat. It's built in the grind and hustle, and in the moments when someone shows up for you when they didn't have to. Technology can schedule the practice. It absolutely cannot manufacture the loyalty that comes from surviving it together. That's what authentic connection actually is. It’s choosing someone, consistently, in the small moments that don't make a highlight reel. Washington, D.C. showed me what's lost when we stop making that choice. Every community I've been a part of since has shown me what's possible when we start. The future of human connection depends on us deciding which story we want to keep telling.
Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship
The first time I truly understood what technology could really do, was watching talented people lose not because they weren't good enough, but because nobody built the right tools for them. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I watched talented athletes in my community train hard with almost nothing — no data, no performance tracking, no technology telling them what their bodies were doing or how to improve. Meanwhile, I'd read about elite programs where athletes had access to wearable sensors, AI-driven analytics, and personalized training tools that gave them a measurable edge. The gap wasn't talent. It was access. That observation became the foundation of my computer science goals. As a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University, I'm building toward creating AI-driven sports technology — specifically wearable sensors and performance tracking tools designed for athletes in underserved communities. My focus is on the software side: developing systems that can collect real-time biomechanical data, process it through machine learning models, and translate it into actionable insights that a coach or athlete can actually use. I want to be the person who builds the tool that levels that playing field. Right now, I'm strengthening my foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software development so that the technical skills I bring to that vision are solid enough to carry it. But computer science is only half of who I am. The other half lives in my community work. Through The Church Without Walls, I serve as a Media and Technology Advisor and Homeless Outreach Volunteer. Through Winston-Salem State University’s Rams HOPE program and my time with the D.C. Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, I've worked directly with young people navigating some of the same barriers I once faced. That work isn't separate from my computer science goals — it sharpens them. Every conversation I have with a kid who doesn't believe technology is a space for them, or with a family that doesn't have access to basic digital resources, reminds me exactly who I'm building for. The future I'm working toward is one where those two worlds are fully merged. I want to develop accessible sports technology that community organizations, public school athletic programs, and nonprofits can actually afford to implement. Beyond the product itself, I want to use my platform as a computer scientist to mentor young people from underrepresented backgrounds into the field — because representation in who builds the technology is just as important as what the technology does. The Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship speaks directly to that intersection. I'm not only a computer science student with a technical interest. I'm someone with a community, a mission, and the coding ambition to build something that serves both.
John Woolley Memorial Scholarship
Winner
I am a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University, an HBCU in North Carolina, and I grew up in Washington D.C. — not a big city by geography, but one of the most significant places on earth. Washington D.C. is a city that taught me early that the world is much bigger than where you grow up, and that curiosity is one of the most powerful tools you can carry with you. Travel has always meant something to me. Every new place I've visited has shifted my perspective in ways that no classroom could replicate. There is something about stepping into an unfamiliar environment — a different city, a different culture, a different landscape — that forces you to pay attention differently. You notice things. You appreciate things. That sense of discovery and wonder that travel sparks in me is something I relate to deeply in John Woolley's story. His commitment to exploring the world with intention, always ready to capture its beauty and preserve its meaning, reflects a way of living that I aspire to. What makes me unique is the intersection of where I come from and where I'm headed. I grew up navigating a resource-limited environment in D.C., watching how unevenly opportunity gets distributed — and I made a decision early on to use technology to change that. My focus in Computer Science is building AI-driven sports technology and wearable performance tools for athletes in underserved communities. Young people who have the talent but rarely have access to the resources that could take them further. That mission drives everything I do academically and professionally. Outside of the classroom, I serve my community through The Church Without Walls, where I lead media and technology operations and participate in homeless outreach. I'm also a Student Ambassador at WSSU and a member of Rams HOPE. Service has always been a core part of who I am — not something I do for recognition, but something I do because I genuinely believe that how you show up for others defines your character. The scholarship funds would go directly toward tuition, technology resources, and travel that supports both my academic growth and my exposure to new environments and ideas. John Woolley lived with adventure, purpose, and an eye for the beauty that most people walk past without noticing. I want to carry that same spirit forward — building technology that matters, serving the people around me, and never stopping exploring.
Grand Oaks Enterprises LLC Scholarship
I was born and raised in Washington D.C. — a city that carries both the weight of history and the power of possibility. Growing up, I saw two sides of my community: the one that makes headlines for all the wrong reasons, and the one that lives quietly beneath the surface, filled with culture and people who look out for each other like family. I grew up surrounded by hardworking people who had to work twice as hard for half the credit. That didn't discourage me — it lit a fire in me. It taught me that success isn't just about where you end up, but how you use where you come from to fuel where you're going. My path hasn't always been smooth. I've lost classmates to city violence. I've had moments of real doubt — wondering whether I would make it out, whether the world was even built to see someone like me win. But instead of letting those walls stop me, I learned to climb over them and use them as vantage points. That shift in perspective changed everything. Sports played a major role in shaping who I am. As captain of my high school basketball team, I learned leadership, discipline, and what it really means to show up for the people around you. Those lessons followed me off the court and into everything I do. Through my church, I've organized food, clothing, and toy drives, led media and technology operations, and volunteered in homeless outreach. Through the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, I served as an Omega Leader — advocating for youth on community violence forums and giving young people in my city a platform they might not have otherwise had. These experiences didn't just build my resume. They gave me purpose. My decision to attend an HBCU was intentional and deeply personal. HBCUs are sacred spaces — living proof of Black brilliance, resilience, and excellence. Walking these halls means being part of something bigger than myself. It means learning from professors who don't just teach the curriculum, but understand the culture and have lived the experience. At Winston-Salem State University, I feel that every single day. The energy here can't be explained — only felt. It reassures me that I belong, and that I'm walking in a legacy worth protecting. I'm majoring in Computer Science with a long-term goal of building AI-driven sports technology for athletes in underserved communities. As an athlete, I know firsthand how injuries affect performance and confidence. I also know that the tools designed to help athletes recover, train, and excel are mostly available to programs with big budgets. I want to change that. Whether through developing injury tracking technology or working directly in athletic training environments, I want to make sure that young Black athletes have access to the same resources as everyone else. More than anything, I want to give back to the people and places that made me. Every late night my family sacrificed, every dollar put toward my education instead of something they needed — none of that is lost on me. I want to be the kind of man they're proud of. I want to be a role model for my younger sister and for the kids in my neighborhood who might not see college as something that's meant for them. I want to show them that you can come from D.C., attend an HBCU, and still make a global impact. Real change happens when people who make it don't just leave — they reach back. That's the standard I hold myself to, and it's the mission I'm building my future around. I carry the stories, prayers, and sacrifices of everyone who believed in me into every class, every program, and every opportunity I pursue. The road ahead won't be easy. But I know I was built for it. This is my mission. This is my legacy. This is me.
Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., raised by my dad, who taught me that excellence is a standard you set for yourself and protect, regardless of who's watching, and isn’t something you perform for other people. His lesson follows me into every room I walk into and is intertwined into every goal I've chased since. When I read about Kalia, I had to stop for a moment. There was something about her story that resonated with me in a way I didn't expect. A student athlete who gave everything she had to her academics, her community, and the people around her. She seemed to be someone who could have relied on her natural gifts alone, but chose to pour into everything she touched instead. The energy someone like that carries doesn't go away; it gets passed on. Kalia's story did something to me, and I mean that sincerely. Like Kalia, I've tried to show up fully in everything I do. As a Student Ambassador at WSSU, a representative with Rams HOPE, and a volunteer through The Church Without Walls, I've learned that the way you treat people and the consistency you bring to your commitments says everything about your character. Basketball taught me that same lesson in life as well. Sports have always been a part of my life, and the discipline and teamwork that athletics require never stay on the court; it follows you everywhere. My academic work is driven by a genuine interest for sports technology and equity. I'm working toward creating wearable technology for athletes in underserved communities like mine. Within these communities, there’s an imbalance because young people have the talent, but rarely do they have access to the tools that can take them further. Growing up in D.C., I witnessed how much potential goes undeveloped simply because the resources aren't there. I've seen what limited access does to people my whole life, and I want to help change that inequality. This scholarship would make a difference in my ability to stay focused on that mission. College is expensive, and every bit of financial support allows me to put more energy into my studies, the future I'm building, and ultimately my community. As grateful as I am for the financial support, being considered for a scholarship in Kalia's name means something to me that's hard to put into words. I know for sure that it’s a reminder that excellence, kindness, and a genuine commitment to others are worth honoring and continuing. Kalia lived like someone who understood that a life well lived is measured by what you give, not what you keep. I carry that with me, and I intend to honor it every single day.
Hearts on Sleeves, Minds in College Scholarship
I have always had something to say. The harder part was believing it was worth saying out loud. Growing up in Washington D.C., I was surrounded by people with real stories, real struggles, and best of all, real brilliance, most of whom never got a platform to share any of it. I watched talented people get overlooked, not because they lacked ability, but because no one ever told them their voice carried any weight. For a long time, I was one of those people. I had opinions, ideas, and a perspective shaped by everything my city had shown me, but I kept most of it close, unsure if anyone outside of my world would really understand or care. That started to change during my participation with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute in Washington D.C. I was surrounded by other young people from communities like mine, and we were asked to develop and present ideas centered around community engagement. On the surface, it sounded straightforward. In practice, standing up in front of a room full of peers and program leaders, with an idea I actually believed in, was one of the most vulnerable things I had ever done. I wanted to talk about access. Specifically, the gap I had watched play out my entire life between athletes in underserved communities and the technology that could actually help them perform, stay healthy, and be seen. I saw gifted athletes in D.C. training without proper tools, without injury prevention resources, without anything working in their corner, while other programs had all of it and more. I knew that gap was real. What I did not know was whether I could make other people see and feel it the way I did. When I stood up to speak, my voice was steady, but my confidence was not. I second-guessed every sentence before it left my mouth, wondering if my idea was too ambitious, too niche, too far outside of what a youth program workshop was supposed to look like. But somewhere in the middle of it, something shifted. I stopped performing and started talking; the way I would talk to a friend, the way I would talk about something that actually kept me up at night. And the room responded. People leaned in. Questions came. The conversation that followed was more honest and more energized than anything I had expected. That moment taught me something I have not forgotten since. Communication is not always about having the perfect words. Instead, it’s having a real conviction and being willing to let people see it. The struggle I felt before I spoke was not weakness; it was the weight of caring deeply about something. Pushing through it and finding my footing in that room showed me that my voice could move people when I stopped trying to manage it and just used it. That experience has shaped how I show up everywhere from that point on. At my church, I use my voice to mentor youth in media and technology and to advocate for the people in my community who are most unseen. On campus at Winston-Salem State University, I serve as a Student Ambassador, speaking on behalf of an institution that gave me a chance, and I organize efforts through Rams HOPE to make sure students know they are not alone. In every space I enter, I try to speak with the same honesty I found in that workshop. I speak clearly, directly, and for something bigger than myself. My long-term goal is to build sports technology, performance tools, and wearable systems that give athletes in underserved communities access to resources they’ve never had. But technology alone is not enough. The vision has to be communicated. The need has to be named. The people it is built for have to see themselves in it. That requires a voice; one that is confident enough to advocate in rooms where the problem is not yet understood, and grounded enough to stay connected to the communities it is meant to serve. I am still growing into that voice. I know that takes time, but I also know it is mine. I know what it stands for, and I am not holding it back anymore.
Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship
Faith has never been something I just practiced on Sundays. Growing up in Washington D.C., it was the thing that kept me grounded when everything around me felt uncertain. The city has a way of showing you both the best and the worst of what life can look like, with opportunity and struggle existing right next to each other on the same block. Faith was what helped me see past the noise and stay focused on something greater than my circumstances. My connection to church has always been central to who I am. At The Church Without Walls, I serve as a Media and Technology Advisor and a Homeless Outreach Volunteer. I help operate audiovisual equipment during services, mentor youth volunteers in media and technology, and lead outreach efforts that include preparing and distributing meals to the homeless in our community. This work is not something I do to fill a resume line. It is an extension of what I believe, that faith without action is incomplete. Jim Maxwell clearly understood that. His legacy of pouring into young people spiritually, emotionally, and practically is something I recognize because I have experienced that kind of investment firsthand, through my church, through mentors, and through a father who raised my sister and me on his own while still showing up every single day. That has not always been easy. My father is still repaying his own student loans while managing everything it takes to keep our family stable. I work during the summer to lighten that load, but by the time each semester begins, the financial gap is still very real. There have been moments where the weight of that uncertainty felt heavy. But my faith has consistently been the thing that reminds me why I started and why I cannot stop. I am a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University with a goal of working in sports technology, specifically building performance tools and wearable systems that give athletes in underserved communities access to resources they have never had. Growing up in D.C., I watched talented young athletes get overlooked because their schools simply could not afford the technology that other elite programs had. I want to be the one who changes that. That vision did not come from nowhere. It came from believing that I was put here with a purpose, and that my education is the vehicle for fulfilling it. Faith is what keeps that vision alive on the hard days. It is what pushes me to stay consistent, stay involved, and stay committed to my coursework, my community, and the people I am working to serve. It is not a passive belief. It is the driving force behind every decision I make and every goal I set. The Jim Maxwell Memorial Scholarship represents exactly the kind of support that makes a real difference, and not only financially, but in affirming that someone sees the work you are putting in and believes in where you are going. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I do not take lightly the legacy it carries. I plan to honor it by continuing to show up for my community, my faith, and the future I am building one step at a time.
Raise Me Up to DO GOOD Scholarship
Growing up in Washington D.C. as the son of a single father, I learned that the world doesn’t slow down for anyone. The neighborhood I grew up in was full of uncertainty with violence, outside influences, and the kind of pressure that pulls a lot of young people in the wrong direction. What stood between me and that path was my father! He carried everything. The parenting, the bills, and not to mention constant worry. I didn’t understand it so young, but all of it fell on one set of shoulders, and he never let me see him buckle under the weight of it all. While other kids in my neighborhood were being molded by the streets, my father was intentional about making sure that wouldn’t be my story. He worked long hours, but he still showed up. He was tired, but he still checked in. That consistent presence didn’t mean much to me as a kid. Now, it means everything. There were moments when life felt genuinely uncertain. Money was tight, and the stress of providing as a single parent is something I can only begin to appreciate looking back. I may not have been able to have everything that I wanted at that time, but he never allowed those struggles to become limitations for me. He redirected my focus instead; back to my character, back to what I was building for myself. He didn’t preach it. He just lived it, and I watched. What I learned from him is to continue to move forward even when your life isn’t comfortable. He taught me that by example, every single day. And because I watched him handle pressure without losing his integrity, I developed a standard for myself. When life is hard and unfair, there’s still room for you to rise above. That doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. Growing up in that environment also opened my eyes to how easily people can fall through the cracks, and how quickly circumstances can close doors that should be open to everyone. That awareness lives in me now. It’s part of why I’m so committed to using whatever I build in my career to give back to communities like the one I came from. I want to create things that are accessible and actually useful to people who’ve been overlooked. My father laid the foundation for everything I’m working toward. He didn’t have unlimited resources, but he gave me something more valuable, which is a model of what it looks like to be disciplined and selfless in the way you show up for the people who depend on you. My success is inseparable from his sacrifice. I carry D.C. with me. I carry him with me. And I intend to make both proud.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Nabi Nicole Grant Memorial Scholarship
Everything in life doesn't come with a warning sign. Challenges suddenly arrive and demand everything you have just to get through them. For me, that moment came quietly, but moved like a big storm; the way the hardest ones tend to do. It didn’t announce itself as a crisis. It just settled in heavily, and I had to decide whether I would let it define me or whether I would fight through it with everything I had left. What I had left was my faith, and it turned out to be enough! During my first year of college, I found myself overwhelmed in ways I hadn’t anticipated. My transition from home to campus life, the pressure of a demanding computer science major, financial stress, and the weight of feeling like I had to prove I belonged; all of it hit at once. I was surrounded by people and still felt completely alone. I stopped sleeping well. I second-guessed every decision I had made to get there. There were days when the idea of continuing felt impossible, and I genuinely didn’t know if I was built for what I had signed up for. I grew up in a home where faith wasn’t just something we practiced on Sundays. It was the foundation everything was built on. But in that difficult season, I had to learn what it meant to rely on the foundation I knew. I started going to campus church more consistently, and not out of obligation, but genuine need. I also leaned into community and joined 'Christ N’ College' bible study on campus, and there I was reminded that struggle doesn’t mean failure. Although I knew life isn’t meant to be easy, I prayed for the strength to handle it as if it were. Slowly, something shifted. It was my perspective! I stopped measuring myself against a timeline I had invented and started trusting the process I was in. I found purpose in the very things that felt overwhelming. My major stopped feeling like a mountain I couldn’t climb and started feeling like a calling I was being prepared for. The same pressure that almost broke me became the thing that clarified exactly why I was there and what I was working toward. We’re human beings, so there may never be an absence of doubt. But I learned that faith is the conscious decision to keep moving in spite of it. Faith is waking up on the hard days and choosing to believe that where you’re going is worth what it’s costing you to get there. And that is how I’ve approached every challenge ever since. I don’t expect that things will be easy, but I certainly have the confidence that I won’t face them alone. It seems to me that Nabi Nicole understood that kind of faith. The kind that shows up in community and in choosing people over comfort. I am honored to apply for a scholarship that carries her legacy, because the faith she embodied is the same faith that carried me through and continues to carry me forward.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Learner Tutoring Innovators of Color in STEM Scholarship
I didn’t grow up seeing many people who looked like me in technology. What I did see were gifted athletes, full of potential, held back, not by talent but by access. No proper training tools, no injury prevention resources, no technology working in their corner. That disconnect between what existed and what my community could actually reach is the reason I chose STEM, and it’s the reason I’m not turning back. I’m majoring in Computer Science because I believe code is one of the most powerful tools a person can hold. It can track motion, analyze fatigue, predict injury, and give an athlete from anywhere in the world the same competitive edge as someone training at an elite facility. That possibility excites me every single day. I’m drawn specifically to sports technology; wearables, AI, performance tracking, and motion analysis, because it sits at the intersection of something I’ve always loved and something the world genuinely needs more of. But my reason for choosing STEM goes further than career ambition. I chose it because I’ve seen what happens when people who look like me aren’t in the room. Decisions get made without our context. Products get built without our experience in mind. Technology that could serve everyone ends up serving only some. I don’t want to watch that happen from the outside. I want to be in the room, at the table, writing the code and shaping the vision. As a person of color in STEM, I carry a perspective that can’t be taught in a classroom. I know what it feels like to be talented and under-resourced. I know what it means to want something that wasn’t designed with you in mind. That lived experience motivates me to be a better innovator. The best solutions come from people who understand the problem personally, and I do! My hope is to build sports technology that reaches both the professional athlete and the kid in my city who has the same dreams and none of the same resources. I want to close that disparity with something real; a wearable, an app, a system, that proves advanced technology doesn’t have to be exclusive. Beyond my own work, I hope to mentor younger students of color who are curious about STEM but don’t yet see themselves in it, the same way I once didn’t. When brilliant minds are excluded from STEM, the whole world pays the price for innovations that never existed. Every perspective missing from the field is a solution the world never gets. I chose STEM because the world doesn’t need another missing perspective; it needs mine. And I plan to spend my career making sure others know theirs matter too.
Zedikiah Randolph Memorial Scholarship
I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to understand how things work; how a small piece of code can make something move, or how a few sensors can track an athlete’s entire performance. That curiosity is what led me to study Computer Science at Winston-Salem State University. But more than the degree, it’s a way to turn my passion for sports and technology into something that helps people, especially those who come from communities like mine. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I saw what happens when talented people don’t have access to the same opportunities and resources as others living and going to school in more affluent areas. I played sports with kids who had incredible potential but lacked the support systems to take their talent further. That stuck with me. It made me want to create something that could level the playing field. I chose Computer Science because I realized that technology could be that bridge. It could help athletes train smarter, prevent injuries, and stay healthy. My dream is to develop wearable technology and software that make those tools accessible to everyone, not just the elite and privileged athletes. Being a Black man in computer science, I’m aware that I represent a small percentage of the field. Only about 9% of people working in computing-related occupations are Black. That number alone motivates me. It reminds me that every class I complete and every skill I gain is for the next student who looks like me and needs to see that it’s possible. Representation matters. When you see someone who looks like you succeed in a space where few people do, it changes what you believe is possible for yourself. I plan to make an impact on my community by using my skills to create technology that supports athletes, schools, and programs with limited resources. I want to develop low-cost wearable tools and training systems that track movement, reduce injury risk, and give young athletes insight into their progress. Beyond that, I want to mentor younger students who have an interest in tech and sports, helping them see that their ideas are valuable and that they belong in these spaces too. In my program and future career, I want to be both a creator and a connector; someone who builds technology with purpose and uses it to uplift others. If I can help even one student believe that their background doesn’t limit their potential, then I’ll feel like I’ve done something meaningful. My goal is to succeed in this field, but also to make sure others like me know they can too.
Kim Moon Bae Underrepresented Students Scholarship
Growing up as a Black student from Washington, D.C., I learned early what it meant to navigate spaces that weren’t always built for me. From the classroom to sports, I noticed how opportunities weren’t equally distributed and how much harder students who looked like me had to work in order to be seen, supported, and sometimes believed in. Specifically, when I was younger, I remember sitting in class and realizing that more often than not, people didn’t expect much from kids who looked like me. Teachers were surprised when I knew the answers or showed interest in difficult subjects. At first, it bothered me, but over time, I learned to use those moments as motivation. I didn’t let those experiences discourage me. Instead, I let them shape me. They taught me how to adapt, how to stand firm in who I am, and how to create space for myself and others in environments that tend to overlook us. Being a Black man in higher education comes with both pride and pressure. There’s pride in knowing that I’m carrying forward the hopes of my family and those who came before me who didn’t always get the same opportunities. But there’s also pressure that comes from knowing that any mistake might be judged more harshly or misunderstood. Still, those challenges have made me stronger and more focused. They’ve pushed me to not only work for my own success but to open doors for those coming behind me. At Winston-Salem State University, I’m majoring in Computer Science with an interest in sports technology. I want to design systems and tools that help athletes, especially those from underserved communities like mine, to train smarter, prevent injuries, and access resources that are out of reach. My identity plays a huge role in that passion. I know what it’s like to have potential but lack resources. That’s why I’m determined to use technology to create fairness and make performance tools accessible to everyone, not just the privileged few. In college, I’ve learned how important it is to find community and to be a part of one. I’ve faced moments of self-doubt, times when I felt out of place, and financial challenges that made things harder. But I’ve also found strength in continuing to persevere and the reminder that representation matters. Every class I pass, every project I complete, is a success, but it isn’t just for me. It’s proof that students who look like me belong in these spaces. My identity has given me perspective and purpose. It fuels my drive to innovate and to make an impact that goes beyond myself. I’m pursuing a degree for myself, but I’m helping to create a path for others to follow.
Jimmie “DC” Sullivan Memorial Scholarship
When I was younger, Saturday mornings meant one thing and one thing only, sports! It could be basketball at the rec court or football in the street, those games always brought my friends and me close together. Fast forward to high school, Saturday mornings meant basketball practice! We didn’t have the best equipment or fancy fields to play on, but that never stopped us. What I remember most is how those moments together built our confidence and gave us something positive to look forward to. We were all in when it came to teamwork, and looking back, I realize those experiences shaped how I see the power of youth sports today. Sports taught me lessons that go far beyond the game. It taught me how to lead, how to work through challenges, and how to support others too. But growing up, I also saw how limited access to resources could hold talented athletes back. Some of my friends had the drive but not the training tools and guidance they needed to stay safe or grow their skills. That’s what sparked my passion for combining sports and technology. I want to make performance and wellness tools more accessible to everyone, no matter where they come from. Now, as a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University, I’m learning how to turn my passion into action. I’m developing the technical skills of coding and system design that will help me create tools for athletes to train smarter, recover safely, and prevent injuries. My goal is to design technology that empowers both coaches and players, especially in communities that get overlooked. I also try to live that same spirit of giving back right now. As a Media & Technology Youth Advisor at my church, I help manage tech for church services and mentor younger students who want to learn the world of tech. I’ve also been a part of volunteer coaching and mentoring with sports organizations such as Little Eagles Basketball Camp. Through both, I’ve learned that being a leader means serving others, listening, encouraging, and helping people see their own potential. In the future, I plan to continue to volunteer with youth sports programs and develop simple, affordable tools that help coaches track progress and reduce injury risks. I want to show kids that technology isn’t always related to looking at a computer screen. It can be a way to better understand their bodies and take care of their health, which leads to building confidence. Jimmie “DC” Sullivan’s legacy reminds me that community starts with showing up for others. My hope is to follow that example using my love for sports and technology to open doors for younger athletes in creating opportunities, and help the next generation to play, grow, and thrive.
Dr. Samuel Attoh Legacy Scholarship
When you hear “legacy”, it's easy to think of fame and fortune, but I’ve learned that legacy is really the lives you touch and the lessons you leave behind. The truest legacies aren’t always written in the headlines. They’re felt in the way someone’s influence keeps showing up long after they’re gone, either from our presence or here on this earth. And that’s exactly the kind of legacy I want to build. It wouldn’t be necessary for my name to be on a building or remembered in books. I’d just want others to feel my love and values when I’m no longer around. I’d want my legacy to be quiet, yet powerful. Growing up in the inner city of Washington, D.C., I didn’t always have access to the best resources and opportunities, but I had people in my life who believed in me and pushed me to see beyond my circumstances. My dad taught me the importance of perseverance and using whatever you have to make the most of every situation. He showed me that where you start doesn’t determine how far you can go. It’s what you do with your journey that defines you. One person who truly shaped my understanding of legacy is my high school basketball coach, Coach Phillips. He wasn’t focused on wins and losses as much as he cared about the kind of people we were becoming off the court. He pushed me to think about discipline and character. Even when practice was tough, he found ways to teach life lessons through the game of basketball. His dedication went far beyond coaching and he showed me what it means to pour into other people and lead with compassion. His legacy is measured by what he built to last through people, which would be the confidence he helped build in each of us. That’s the kind of mark I want to leave one day. My upbringing taught me to value my education and the benefits of hard work, but not without service. These are all principles that continue to drive my goals in STEM. I want to use technology to create accessible tools that help athletes train smarter and prevent injuries. But outside of innovation in STEM, I want my work to represent opportunities for young people who might not see themselves reflected in tech or sports science yet. I want to help break the cycle of limited access and show that you can create your own lane, no matter where you’re from or where you start. To me, building a legacy isn’t perfection in itself, it’s your purpose and using what you’ve learned to open doors for others, just like my coach did for me, and just like this scholarship honors Dr. Attoh’s dedication to education, I hope my own path inspires others to dream big and do their very best at carrying the torch forward.
Bick First Generation Scholarship
Being a first-generation college student means stepping into rooms no one in my family has ever walked into before. It means figuring out how to fill out forms, find scholarships, and register for classes on my own, and sometimes pretending I know what I’m doing when I really don’t. But more than anything, it means carrying my family’s hopes with me every day, and the constant reminder that I can be the one to change things for my family, especially with my little sister coming up behind me. When I got my acceptance letter, my dad cried because he knew I was stepping into a world that was new for all of us. Since then, I’ve dealt with the pressure of being “the first”, trying to make everything work perfectly and to not let anyone down. There were times I questioned whether I belonged in my major, especially when classes became difficult or being surrounded by students who seemed to already have connections in the field, but I remind myself why I started. My love for computer science and sports came together when I realized how powerful technology can be in helping athletes, and not just professional ones, but everyday people. Helping them to perform better and stay healthy. I’ve seen talented kids in my neighborhood who had dreams of playing sports but didn’t have access to proper equipment and training resources. I want to change that. My goal is to create technology that helps athletes prevent injuries and train smarter, no matter where they come from or what resources they have. This scholarship would represent a belief in students like me; first-generation students who are still learning how to navigate but refuse to give up and are determined to make a difference. It would remind me that even when my path feels unfamiliar, I’m still moving in the right direction. It would also ease the financial burden on my family and allow me to continue building skills in sports technology, and move closer to my dream of creating tools that make a difference in people’s lives. Being a first-generation college student takes courage in taking the first step. Even when the ground feels shaky, I’m rewriting what’s possible for my family and proving that where you start doesn’t have to define where you end up. I’m proud to be that example for my family and I’m excited to keep pushing forward, one step at a time.
Delories Thompson Scholarship
I’ve been an athlete from a young age, always fascinated by the ways technology can improve lives, but especially in the area of sports and health. My goal is to build a career in sports technology, creating accessible tools like smart training gear and recovery devices, and wearable performance trackers that help athletes enhance performance, prevent injuries, and recover better. I want to design systems that make athletic resources more equitable, so every athlete, no matter their background, has a fair chance to reach their potential. To me, being Black means excellence in the face of adversity. I intend to carry the legacy of those who paved the way for me; Black people who turned struggle into strength and built community where others saw limitation. Success is a personal goal; however, being Black reminds me that my success is not just personal to me! My and other Black peoples’ success is a continuation of generations of perseverance and pride. I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to grow in an environment that celebrates that legacy. At WSSU, I’m surrounded by students and professors who look like me, believe in me, and push me to aim higher. This space allows me to embrace my identity while preparing to make an impact in the world of technology and sports. I hope to give back to the same kind of community that shaped me. Community that values innovation and identity, and empowers the next generation of Black scholars and leaders.
Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
If given the opportunity, I would improve my community by developing accessible sports technology programs that promote youth wellness, injury prevention, and long-term health, especially in underserved Black communities. As a computer science major with a deep passion for both athletics and service, I see sports not only as a tool for physical development but also as a bridge to opportunity, self-discipline, and confidence. Far too often, Black youth face barriers to safe athletic participation; ranging from poor equipment and lack of injury education to limited access to proper training and rehabilitation resources. My vision is to create community-centered programs that combine wearable technology, data-driven coaching, and rehabilitation tools to support young athletes. Particularly those in public schools or low-income areas. I would build mobile units equipped with smart training gear, physical therapists, and coaches that travel to schools, parks, and rec centers. These units would provide free performance assessments, injury screenings, and digital progress tracking to help kids and coaches better understand how to train smarter, not just harder. These services would also include workshops on recovery, stretching techniques, and safe strength training to reduce the risk of long-term injuries. This mission is deeply personal to me. I’ve watched peers with enormous potential have their athletic dreams derailed because of preventable injuries or lack of access to rehab support. I’ve seen promising futures dim simply because there weren’t enough resources in our neighborhoods. I want to change that. By improving access to sports health technology and performance tools, I aim to create a system where talent isn’t wasted due to inequality. Every child deserves the opportunity to safely pursue their passions and build a future from their gifts. This work also honors my family’s legacy. Like Henry Walker Sr., my ancestors didn’t have much, but they used their strength, service, and sacrifice to pave the way for future generations. Henry Walker Sr. served his country in the face of brutal racism and still stood tall for something greater than himself. His courage, integrity, and sense of duty inspire me to use my skills in a way that uplifts others and creates lasting change. I believe my contribution, through technology, service, and community leadership, can carry that legacy forward and expand it in new, innovative directions. Community transformation doesn’t always start with massive change. It often begins with one idea, one act of service. By combining innovation with compassion, I can help shape a future where Black youth are empowered to grow stronger, stay safer, and dream bigger. Supporting their health is not just important to me, it’s essential to the long-term wellness, justice, and joy of my community.
Hines Scholarship
College for me is more than just a pathway to a degree; it’s a symbol of progress and an opportunity to break a cycle. Growing up, I’ve witnessed the struggles of first-generation, low-income families, including my own, where higher education seems like an unattainable distant dream. The chance to pursue a college education, especially in a STEM field, is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to give back to the community that raised me. Coming from Washington, D.C., where crime rates are high and opportunities are sometimes hard to come by, I’ve had to work twice as hard to be recognized. But I see this as an advantage. The challenges I’ve faced have taught me to remain steadfast, problem-solve, and critically think, all of which are crucial in STEM alone. As head of the media and technology committee at my church, I’ve developed an interest in the technology that powers everything from our daily routines to breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and education. This interest, combined with a desire to create solutions for communities like mine, solidified my choice to pursue STEM. Attending an HBCU for my STEM education holds special significance. For me, it’s about the academic experience and joining a legacy of Black excellence, where innovation, leadership, and resilience are considered the norm. At an HBCU, I know I’ll be surrounded by role models and peers who understand my background, and I’ll have the support to overcome the unique challenges that come with being a first-generation student in a demanding field. The cultural pride and community that HBCUs provide will not only push me to succeed as an individual, but will also push me to excel in my field of study. In college, I hope to accomplish a deep dive into the STEM field, exploring how I can develop systems and solutions to serve underrepresented populations. I’m specifically excited to engage in hands-on projects and research, where I can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, such as improving healthcare accessibility or creating tools that bridge the digital divide for low-income communities. I also plan to stay active in leadership, using my experience to mentor other students and advocate for increased diversity in STEM fields. STEM is not just a career choice for me, it’s a platform for change. I’ve seen firsthand how inequality in access to education and technology affects communities like mine. With the education and experience I’ll gain in college, I want to be part of the solution, helping to design and implement technologies that make life better for underserved populations. Whether it’s through contributing to the development of smart city infrastructure for safer neighborhoods or using data science to inform better policies, I’m determined to use STEM as a tool for social justice and change. With college, I’m not just pursuing my own dream, I’m paving the way for others to follow as well. College is my gateway to making a meaningful impact in the lives of people who need it the most, and I’m ready to fully embrace this journey.
STEAM Generator Scholarship
Entering higher education as a first-generation college student and an African American in a STEM field sometimes feels like stepping into a world that wasn’t built with me in mind. I’ve often been one of the few people who look like me in certain forums such as technology workshops and labs. It can be intimidating, but it’s also what fuels my determination to keep going. Receiving my education is a personal goal, but I also see it as a door I’m opening for others who will come after me. Growing up, I learned that success isn’t always about who’s the smartest, it’s about who has access. Many students in more privileged communities have tutors, advanced courses, or family members who’ve already navigated college. In contrast, I’ve had to figure things out piece by piece, often through trial and error. My father, a single parent, has always encouraged me to aim high, but without a family background in higher education, there were limits to how much guidance he could give. I remember sitting at the kitchen table late at night, trying to fill out financial aid forms or scholarship applications, unsure if I was even doing them right. But that’s what being first-generation often looks like; learning as you go and refusing to give up even when you’re uncertain. As an underrepresented student, I’ve also felt the weight of expectation. Sometimes, I feel like I have to prove that I belong in spaces where few people look like me. But instead of letting that pressure break me, I use it as motivation. It’s taught me to walk into every classroom with confidence, even when doubt tries to creep in. It’s made me focused and intentional about the kind of future I want to build. One where technology and opportunity are accessible to everyone, not just a select few. That’s why I chose to major in computer science with a focus on sports technology. I’ve always loved athletics and fitness, but I’ve also noticed how uneven the playing field can be, both on and off the court. Many athletes from underserved communities don’t have access to the same high-tech tools, recovery systems, or data-driven training that wealthier athletes do. I want to change that. My goal is to create affordable wearable tech, smart gear, and performance software that helps athletes train safely and efficiently, no matter their background or income. My journey into higher education comes with both hope and concern. I hope that college will continue to give me the skills and connections to bring my ideas to life. I hope to meet mentors who can guide me, and peers who share my passion for innovation and equality. But I also worry about the financial and emotional toll that comes with being first-generation. The pressure to succeed not just for myself, but for my family. Still, I’ve learned that every obstacle I face makes my story stronger. Being an outsider to the system means I have a unique perspective. One that’s rooted in empathy and a desire to make a difference. I want my education to be more than just a degree. I want it to be a bridge that connects my community to new opportunities and shows that success is possible, no matter where you start.
Phoenix Opportunity Award
Being a first-generation college student means more to me than just being the first in my family to go to college. It means carrying the hopes, sacrifices, and dreams of the people who helped me get here. My father, a single parent, has worked hard his entire life to make sure I had opportunities he never did. Watching him balance bills, work long hours, and still show up for me taught me the meaning of perseverance and sacrifice. Those lessons have shaped how I approach everything I do. Since I didn’t have anyone in my family who could guide me through the college process, I had to figure out a lot on my own; from filling out financial aid forms to researching scholarships and programs that align with my interests. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me more determined and self-motivated. Every step I take feels like I’m not just moving forward for myself, but also paving the way for younger kids in my family to dream bigger. My goal is to build a career in sports technology, combining my love for athletics and innovation to develop tools that help athletes train smarter, recover faster, and prevent injuries. I want to make technology that’s accessible to everyone, especially those in underserved communities who often don’t have access to the same resources or equipment as athletes in wealthier areas. Just as I’ve had to work harder to find my own path, I want to create solutions that give others a fair starting line. Being a first-generation college student pushes me to take my education seriously because I know what’s at stake. I ultimately desire to earn a degree, but for me, this is also about breaking cycles and opening doors. The Phoenix Opportunity Award would help lift some of the financial weight that comes with pursuing college and allow me to focus fully on learning, growing, and giving back. This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m even more excited for what’s ahead, not just for me, but for everyone who believes in me and for those who will come after me.
William A. Lewis Scholarship
As a Black male majoring in Computer Science at Winston-Salem State University, I understand firsthand how underrepresentation in STEM affects not just the workforce, but also students like me who aspire to enter into these fields. The journey to higher education hasn’t been smooth. For me, the biggest obstacle wasn’t just the rigorous coursework or long nights spent studying, it was battling self-doubt and the feeling that I didn’t belong in the STEM world. I’ve always had a knack for technology. I was the one always fixing my family members’ phones, troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, and experimenting with computer programming in my spare time. But as much as I love tech, the narratives I saw in the media and my surroundings rarely featured people who looked like me excelling in this space. It felt like an unspoken rule that STEM wasn’t for “us”. That belief lingered in the back of my mind even as I excelled academically and earned my spot at an HBCU. The moment that really tested me came during my first few weeks of sophomore year. One of my professors handed back an early programming assignment with very critical feedback. Although I had put in hours of effort, my work was filled with errors. It was a wake up call that I wasn’t prepared for how demanding Computer Science would be at the collegiate level. I questioned whether I had the skills to make it through, whether I should even be here, and whether I was capable of succeeding in a field that so few Black men pursued. This is where my mentor, Mr. McDowell stepped in. Mr. McDowell is an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University and a former engineer who now works as a STEM advocate for HBCU students. I first met him through a campus leadership program, and when I confided in him about my struggles, he shared his own story. Like me, he had faced moments of doubt, but he emphasized that failure is not a reflection of your capability, instead it’s a step toward mastery. He encouraged me to adopt a mindset of growth and opportunity, reminding me that mistakes are opportunities to learn, not an indicator of how inadequate you are. Under his guidance, I began to view my errors in coding assignments as puzzles to solve rather than failures to fear. He also introduced me to a study group of upperclassmen who offer support. Through Mr. McDowell’s mentorship and the encouragement of my support group, I developed more confidence in my abilities. I started seeing myself as more than only a participant in STEM, but also as someone with the potential to innovate and inspire others. I am on track to receive an A in my Computing class by the end of the semester, which I believe to be a testament to my personal perseverance and the support of my academic community. This experience taught me that representation matters, but so does resilience. The ability to bounce back is key! My journey is just beginning, but I’m determined to pave the way for others like me to step into STEM with confidence and be of the same support, just like those who were of support to me. Thanks to those who believed in me, I now believe in myself.
Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Every day, I try to show up as the best version of myself. Not just for my goals, but for the people around me. The traits of leadership, resilience, selflessness, focus, and work ethic, aren’t just words to me. They’re the foundation of how I move through life, especially as a college student working toward a degree in computer science with a vision of using technology to improve sports performance and health outcomes. Strong leadership and communication come naturally to me through teamwork. Whether I’m helping coordinate youth workshops, tutoring classmates, or collaborating on group projects, I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about listening, understanding, and making sure everyone feels valued. Communication is key to that. I’ve learned to speak up when needed, but also to give others the space to be heard. That’s how I’ve built trust and unity in every space I’m in. Resilience is something college has taught me more than anything else. Balancing school, financial challenges, and personal responsibilities hasn’t always been easy, but giving up has never been an option. When things get tough, like late nights studying, or dealing with setbacks in coding projects, I remind myself that each obstacle is building me into someone stronger and more capable. Resilience, to me, means bending without breaking and finding a way forward no matter what. Being unselfish means understanding that success is not a solo journey. I’ve learned that helping others reach their goals doesn’t take away from my own, but it multiplies the impact we can make together. I volunteer for a local youth program near my university serving as a mentee to middle school students. I find purpose in activities like this and serving others. Those moments of giving, even when I’m tired or stretched thin, remind me that character isn’t defined by convenience but by compassion. Focus and determination guide how I approach my education and future career. My goal is to bridge sports, health, and technology by developing wearable devices and tools that help athletes train smarter, prevent injuries, and recover faster. I’m determined to build something that can make a difference, especially in underserved communities where access to resources are limited. Staying focused on that vision keeps me grounded, even when the path feels long. I also draw much of my drive from my family, especially my grandfather, who serves as a homicide detective with the Washington, D.C. Police Department. Growing up hearing about his years of service taught me what discipline, bravery, and integrity truly look like. His dedication to protecting others, even in the toughest circumstances, showed me that real strength comes from selflessness and purpose. I carry that same mindset into everything I do, wanting to serve others through innovation and impact. Finally, I believe a strong work ethic is what transforms dreams into reality. I’ve always been willing to put in the effort; arriving early, staying late, and giving more than what’s asked. I take pride in every task, no matter how small, because I know excellence starts with consistency. My work ethic comes from watching people in my life who showed up every day with dedication and heart, much like Antonie “Tony” Bernard Thomas did through his service and love for others. To me, leadership means using your strengths to lift others, even when no one is watching. It’s leading by example, through integrity, perseverance, and care. As I continue my journey, I hope to lead not only through innovation but through empathy, creating technology that empowers others the way great leaders inspire the people around them.
Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship
My foundation in service started long before I understood the word “leadership.” Growing up, my Christian grandmother, who never finished the eighth grade but lived with more wisdom than most, always reminded me that being of service to your community is about heart, not recognition. I watched her cook for neighbors, lend a listening ear, and give her time even when she didn’t have much to spare. She was a quiet example that shaped my faith and taught me that true service begins with compassion. That same spirit followed me to my church, The Church Without Walls, where I serve as a Media and Technology Youth Advisor. On the surface, my role is technical, running soundboards, cameras, lighting, and managing livestreams, but for me, my purpose runs deeper than that. Every Sunday, I get to create an atmosphere where people can connect spiritually without distractions. I also mentor younger volunteers, teaching them how to operate the equipment and helping them develop confidence in their abilities. Watching them take pride in their roles reminds me of how small acts of guidance can plant big seeds. I’ve learned that leadership is giving people the space to grow. Beyond the media ministry, my church has also given me the opportunity to serve through our Homeless Outreach program. We organize food, clothing, and coat drives, and distribute meals throughout the community. The work can be tiring, but there’s a kind of peace that comes from giving back. In the moments of handing someone a meal, offering a smile, or just simply listening, I see faith in action. Serving others reminds me of my grandmother’s words and of the kind of leader I strive to be, humble and purposeful. My church involvement naturally inspired how I engage with my college community at Winston-Salem State University. I’m part of Rams HOPE, a student-led group promoting mental health awareness and emotional well-being. My role involves organizing outreach events and using technology to help students feel seen and supported. This blend of service, faith, and technology reflects who I am at my core, a believer in using my gifts to uplift other people. Balancing faith, school, and service hasn’t always been easy, but it’s shaped me into a more disciplined and empathetic person. My church taught me to use my hands and my heart to make an impact, and my college experiences are helping me translate that into leadership that reaches outside and beyond the sanctuary. As I continue my journey in computer science, I hope to design technology that promotes health, healing, and human connection, especially in communities that often go overlooked. If I’m behind a camera at church, mentoring youth, or developing new tech ideas, my mission remains the same: to serve! Because for me, service isn’t just something I do, it’s part of who I am, written in both my faith and my DNA.
Champions Of A New Path Scholarship
If curiosity had a heartbeat, mine would sound like a mix between sneakers on a basketball court and the quiet hum of a computer booting up. That’s me, someone who grew up loving both the game and the gadget. I’ve always been the person asking, “How does this work?”, be it a jump shot or a line of code. Somewhere between those two worlds, I found my purpose of using technology to make life better for others. I’m a Computer Science major at Winston-Salem State University with a 3.44 GPA, and I’m chasing a dream that sits at the intersection of sports, health, and innovation. My goal is to design smart systems, apps, and wearable tech that help athletes and everyday people train smarter, recover faster, and avoid injuries, especially in underserved communities like mine. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I saw firsthand how much potential was lost because young athletes didn’t have access to the right tools or training resources. Some of the most talented people I knew had to step away from the game early, not because they lacked talent, but because they lacked opportunity. That’s where my “why” comes from. I want to create the technology that bridges that gap, that gives every athlete, no matter where they’re from, a fair shot. In high school, while my friends were focused on game highlights, I was fascinated by what happened behind them. I wanted to know how a smartwatch could measure heart rate, how data could track movement, and how an app could help someone recover faster. When I discovered the world of sports technology, everything clicked for me. It was the perfect blend of my passions and purpose. To prepare, I’ve made it my mission to dive into as much hands-on experience as possible. My computer science courses at WSSU are giving me a strong foundation in programming, data analysis, and system design. But I don’t stop at textbooks! I get my hands on every piece of tech I can. As the Media & Technology Youth Advisor at my church, I handle sound, production, and digital media for services and events. Sure, I make sure the microphones work, but it’s so much more than that. It’s helping people connect near and far thru livestream services, conference meetings and the like. I also mentor younger students who want to learn about technology, because I remember how intimidating it initially felt. Watching them gain confidence reminds me why I do what I do. On campus, I’m a part of Rams HOPE, a student-led organization that focuses on mental health awareness. I use tech to help us reach students through digital campaigns and creative content. It’s taught me that technology can do more than solve problems. It can also connect hearts and start conversations that matter. I won’t sugarcoat it. The path to college hasn’t been easy. Balancing classes, work, and leadership roles takes energy, time, and focus. There have been nights I studied all night long, while working on assignments simultaneously, but I’ve learned that every late night and every challenge builds something bigger, which to me is perseverance. This scholarship would ease the financial weight and give me more freedom to invest in research and projects, like exploring how wearable sensors and AI can detect fatigue or prevent injuries before they happen. What gives me an advantage is my mindset!, not just my GPA or my involvement. Yes, I’m chasing a degree, but I’m doing it with a mission in mind. I see technology as a bridge that connects communities to opportunity and dreamers to possibility. I know I haven’t been around for a long time, but I bring empathy, lived experience in community, and an unstoppable work ethic to everything I do. I also believe in limitless learning. I’m constantly teaching myself new programming languages and exploring new tech tools. I enjoy staying curious about how innovation can shape the future of health and sports. I don’t wait for opportunity, I create it! Receiving this scholarship would certainly help me financially. It would lessen the financial strain regarding books, tuition and fees and it would fuel the next step of my journey helping me continue to learn and create. In the long run, I want to be a part of the movement that makes high-quality training and recovery technology accessible to everyone, not just professionals. That’s why I believe I deserve this scholarship, because success to me, isn’t only about what I can achieve, it's about what I can create and who I can help along the way to go further than I ever could.
Undergraduate Minorities in STEM Scholarship
I plan to build a career in sports technology, combining my love for sports, health, and innovation. Growing up in a community with limited athletic resources, I saw talented athletes struggle without access to proper training tools and injury prevention support. That experience made me want to help create solutions that could level the playing field and make advanced technology available to all athletes, especially in underserved communities like mine. My passion for sports began early through basketball and football, but I was always fascinated by what happened behind the scenes; the preparation, data, and science that fuel performance. When I discovered sports technology, it felt like the perfect blend of everything I cared about. I became curious about how wearable devices collect data, how apps track motion, and how coding could connect all of it to improve results and prevent injuries. To prepare for this path, I’m majoring in Computer Science at Winston-Salem State University, where I’m learning programming, data analysis, and system design. Outside the classroom, I get involved with as much technology as I can. As a Media and Technology Youth Advisor at my church, I manage sound and production systems and mentor younger students interested in tech. On campus, I’m a part of Rams HOPE, a student-led group promoting mental health awareness, where I help use technology and digital communication to share resources and organize events. Recently, I’ve been exploring how wearable sensors, AI, and performance tracking can study movement and recovery. I’m inspired by how a small device or line of code can analyze motion or detect early fatigue in support of rehabilitation. My long-term goal is to design innovative, accessible sports technology that helps athletes train smarter, recover faster, and ultimately maintain long-term health, bridging the gap between sports science and everyday accessibility.
Xavier M. Monroe Heart of Gold Memorial Scholarship
In high school, I faced one of my biggest challenges during my junior year. As a first-generation college student, I was determined to excel academically and pursue my passion for technology. However, the steep learning curve in my advanced STEM apprenticeship, combined with limited access to academic resources, left me feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. I remember struggling to grasp complex programming concepts that my peers seemed to learn effortlessly. It was a period filled with self-doubt, but also the spark that ignited my determination to prove that I belonged in spaces where innovation and problem-solving were at the center. The turning point came when I enrolled in an online coding bootcamp. Although it was free, the self-paced structure demanded a level of discipline I had never needed before. For the first time, I had to become my own teacher, holding myself accountable for how much I learned each day. I started setting small, realistic goals, such as completing one module at a time, practicing debugging, or building short pieces of code until they worked properly. I spent late nights replaying YouTube tutorials and scrolling through coding forums, often asking strangers for advice or reviewing others’ solutions to learn different approaches. Slowly, the abstract concepts began to make sense. I realized that coding was less about instant mastery and more about patience and persistence. My confidence grew when I started applying what I had learned to small projects. One project, in particular, involved developing a basic app to help local community centers manage their event schedules; a tool that would ease communication and resource management for under-resourced organizations. Knowing that something I built could be useful gave me a sense of pride and showed me that technology has the power to bridge gaps, even when resources are limited. Looking back, that experience taught me several invaluable lessons. First, I learned that challenges are opportunities in disguise. What felt like an overwhelming setback at the time became the very thing that pushed me to grow. I stopped viewing failure as proof of inadequacy and instead saw it as a natural part of the learning process. Second, I discovered the power of persistence. Even when the path seemed insurmountable, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable goals helped me stay motivated and rebuild my confidence step by step. Finally, I realized that innovation often springs from necessity. The struggles I encountered tested my knowledge and forced me to think creatively, to adapt, and to use limited resources in ways that made a meaningful impact. This challenge reshaped how I approach life. I now understand that resilience is just as important as intelligence, and that progress doesn’t happen all at once but in steady, intentional steps. The lessons I carried from that experience continue to guide me in my pursuit of a career in technology, and also in how I navigate obstacles in everyday life. Whenever I face new difficulties, I remind myself that growth is waiting on the other side of the discomfort. That mindset that was born out of struggle, has become one of my greatest strengths.
Willie Mae Rawls Scholarship
I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., a city that embodies resilience, culture, and the spirit of possibility. Growing up here taught me that opportunity is not always evenly distributed, and that access to education, healthcare, or even safe spaces to play sports can determine the direction of a young person’s life. These experiences shaped who I am and the vision I have for my future: to combine computer science, sports technology, and health science to create tools that make athletic performance, recovery, and injury prevention more accessible, especially for communities that are often overlooked. From a young age, sports weren't just games to me; they were lessons in things like teamwork and perseverance. I also saw the physical and emotional toll injuries could have on athletes, from friends in my neighborhood leagues to professional players I admired. At the same time, I became fascinated with technology and how it can solve problems. Whether it was coding small projects in school or experimenting with wearable fitness devices, I began to see how innovation could bridge the gap between health and sports performance. That realization inspired my decision to pursue computer science, not only as a career but as a way to create change. My goal is to design and develop technology that supports athletes at every level, from youth leagues to professionals. I envision creating wearable tech that tracks movement to help prevent injuries before they happen, smart training equipment that adapts to individual needs, and performance-tracking software that gives athletes and coaches real-time insights. What excites me most is not just the innovation itself, but the possibility of making these tools affordable and accessible. Far too often, advanced sports medicine resources are available only to elite athletes with financial means, leaving community athletes and underfunded schools at a disadvantage. By focusing my career on inclusive design, I hope to ensure that every athlete, regardless of background, has access to the resources they need to succeed and stay healthy. My vision for the future is rooted in service. Through the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute, I learned from influential leaders about the intersections of entrepreneurship, technology, and justice, deepening my commitment to being an informed change agent. My work with the D.C.Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute sharpened those skills further. As both an Omega Team Leader and Program Assistant, I facilitated leadership training for hundreds of youth, mentored peers, and helped coordinate service projects and forums that gave young people in my city a voice in addressing community violence. Service has also been central to my role at The Church Without Walls, where I lead youth homeless outreach drives and coordinate media and technology operations that keep my congregation connected. In addition, volunteering with the D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement allowed me to support community events like back-to-school drives, holiday food giveaways, and summer block parties that promote peace and unity. These experiences have taught me humility, responsibility, and the power of using my skills to lift others. Ultimately, my studies will allow me to earn a degree, but my studies will also help me to gain the skills and knowledge I need to bring this vision to life. My education will allow me to push boundaries in sports technology, while my personal commitment ensures I stay rooted in service and accessibility. I believe that technology, when designed with empathy, can level the playing field. Through my career, I plan to prove that innovation is not only for the few but can empower the many.
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
I grew up in Washington, D.C., a city full of contrasts. On one block you’ll see power and opportunity, and on the next you’ll see struggle and survival. Living in that tension taught me how to navigate two worlds: one that tries to hold you back and another that dares you to push forward. I carry both of those lessons with me every day. My passion has always lived at the intersection of sports and science. I wasn’t the star athlete in every game, but I was the kid paying attention to how bodies moved, how injuries happened, and how people came back stronger. To me, athletes are like everyday superheroes, and sports medicine is the science that keeps their capes intact. I want to become a sports medicine therapist not just to heal injuries, but to create new ways for athletes, especially young ones from underserved communities, to prevent them in the first place. What drives me isn’t just the love of sports, it’s what sports mean in my community. For so many kids I grew up with, sports were more than games. They were escape routes, scholarships, safe spaces, and second chances. But I also watched so many dreams cut short by injuries that could’ve been prevented or treated with better care. That’s where my purpose comes in by using technology, training, and compassion to build bridges for athletes who might not have access otherwise. My experiences so far have shaped that vision. Through school, community programs, and internships, I’ve been able to combine leadership with service. Being active in organizations like the Andrew Young Emerging Leaders Institute and the DC Marion Barry Youth Leadership Program, has shown me how to use my voice and my skills for something bigger than myself. Even in jobs that didn’t seem connected to sports medicine at first, I learned how to show up, adapt, and solve problems under pressure. Those skills are just as important in a training room as they are in a classroom. My aspiration is clear. I want to develop affordable, accessible tools that help athletes perform at their best while protecting their health. That could be smarter rehab methods to reduce recovery time or community clinics that bring modernized care into neighborhoods like mine. I want to make sure innovation doesn’t stop at the sidelines of privilege. I know this journey won’t be easy. There are going to be long nights, tough courses, and times when I’ll question myself. But I’ve already been shaped! I’ve seen struggle firsthand, and I’ve seen the strength it produces. That’s why when I imagine my future, I see myself working with elite athletes on big stages, but more importantly, I see myself back in communities like the one I grew up in, helping the next generation of players stay healthy enough to chase their dreams all the way. This is bigger than a career for me. It’s my way of giving back, of turning challenges into chances, and it’s also proving that the same city that tested me also prepared me to make a difference.
Simon Strong Scholarship
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I experienced the harsh realities of living amongst violence. Sound of sirens, news of shootings, and fear of danger are a part of my everyday life. It’s a tough environment that tested my resilience and shaped my character in ways I couldn’t imagine. The most significant challenge started when I was in middle school. My good friend was caught in the crossfire of a gang incident and was severely injured. That left me scared for my safety and those around me. It was a wake-up call that made me realize how important it was to find a way out of the cycle of violence. To overcome this, I focused on education, became involved in the community and sought mentorship. I knew education was my ticket to a better future. I dedicated myself to school, staying up late to finish homework and study. I participated in basketball which provided a safe environment and academic support with study hall. I participated in community activities, such as D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement where we promoted focused approaches to disrupt violence and promote peace. Through this, I participated in community clean-ups, peace rallies, and mentored youth younger than myself. Involvement gave me purpose and helped build a network of like-minded peers who supported each other in staying away from violence. I found mentors in my teachers, coaches, and elders who were respectful and weren’t afraid to give constructive criticism to us young folks. It’s because of them I can see possibilities beyond my immediate environment and aspire to aim higher. Adversity taught me determination. While we cannot control our circumstances, we can control our response. It instilled in me a sense of commitment to giving back. Many kids were going through similar struggles as I did at their ages, and I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem. Facing adversity helped me to develop a strong work ethic. I understood that nothing would be handed to me and I had to work hard for opportunities. This mindset stayed with me and continues to drive me. For anyone facing similar circumstances, my advice is to: Remain positive, keep your head up, not down. If you’re looking down, it’s impossible to see where you’re going, so stay focused on your path. Focus on education. Knowledge is a tool to the most sought out places, but you must LEARN how to get there! Education opens doors and provides opportunities that seem out of reach. Get involved in community and seek mentors. Community can provide belonging and purpose that hanging with the wrong crowd cannot. Associating with negativity will leave you lost looking for purpose that you can find in those that genuinely care about your well being. Positive associations help counteract the negative influences around you. Positive mentors offer guidance and inspiration, showing that there are paths to success outside of violence and crime. Lastly, never lose hope. It’s easy to feel defeated, but you have the power to change your future. Surround yourself with support, stay focused on goals, and push forward, no matter how difficult. Growing up I’ve been tested in my belief of myself, my self worth and my determination to succeed, but by changing my focus, I overcame those same challenges and shaped a better future for myself by being accepted to college! Adversity has made me stronger and more committed to making a positive impact. To anyone facing similar circumstances, remember that you have the strength to overcome, and there are always people and resources available to help on your journey.
CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program
To me, being a purposeful, responsible, and productive community member means showing up with intention, doing my part even when no one is watching, and contributing in ways that uplift others and not just myself. It’s being grounded in values, aware of the needs of others, and committed to making a lasting impact in any space I’m in. These aren’t just qualities I admire; they’re standards I strive to live by every day. Growing up as a young Black male in Washington, D.C., I’ve seen firsthand how under-resourced communities can still produce strong, talented individuals who are simply looking for a chance. I was raised by my father, who taught me the importance of showing up for people, whether that means helping neighbors, checking in on family, or volunteering time even when things are tight at home. That’s where I first learned the meaning of being purposeful; to live with meaning behind every action. It’s not always about big accomplishments. Sometimes, purpose shows up in the everyday, like tutoring younger students in my neighborhood who don’t have access to the same academic support, or joining community clean-ups because I care about the image and health of the place I call home. Responsibility to me isn’t just doing what’s expected. It’s going beyond that. It means owning my decisions, admitting when I fall short, and always trying to leave things better than how I found them. It could be staying on top of my schoolwork, being a leader in student organizations, or holding a part-time job to help out at home. Regardless, I’ve learned to carry my commitments with pride. When you come from a background where opportunities are limited, responsibility isn’t optional, it’s survival. But I also see it as a privilege. I’ve been trusted with leadership roles, mentorship positions, and team projects because people know I’ll follow through. That trust means everything to me. Being productive goes hand in hand with making progress. As someone who plans to pursue a career in sports technology, I want to use innovation to create tools that make athletics more accessible, especially in low-income communities, like mine. I see potential in merging science, health, and technology to prevent injuries, support recovery, and maximize performance in young athletes; many of whom don’t have access to the best gear or coaching. I believe productivity means building toward something that matters, and I’m committed to using my education and skills to do just that. In the future, I plan to continue embodying these values both personally and professionally. I want to be someone who gives back by creating opportunities, mentoring students like myself, and investing in underserved areas with real solutions. Starting programs that provide free training equipment or developing smart gear for injury prevention are just a few examples that align with my goal to be part of a future where success isn’t determined by where you come from but by what you contribute. Being a purposeful, responsible, and productive member of my community isn’t just an idea to me; it’s a commitment. It’s how I’ve gotten to where I am, and it’s the mindset I’ll carry with me as I move forward. With the support of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to turning that mindset into measurable change.
Sewing Seeds: Lena B. Davis Memorial Scholarship
The person who has impacted my life the most is my dad. His influence runs deep, not just in how I think, but in how I live, lead, and serve. He’s shaped my values, helped define my goals, and taught me that small actions, when done with care and intention, can make a big difference. That lesson mirrors the spirit of this scholarship and reminds me that we all have the power to sew seeds into the lives of others. My dad is the kind of person who shows strength through consistency. He doesn’t talk much about being strong, he just is. Whether it was getting through the loss of my mother or working long hours to provide for our family, he’s always shown up. One story that really stuck with me was his experience as a student during 9/11. That day changed everything for him. He told me how uncertain and fragile the world felt. But instead of letting fear control him, he doubled down on family, community, and work ethic. He told me, “When the world feels like it’s falling apart, that’s when you have to stand firm in what you believe.” That mindset shaped the way he lives, and it’s shaped the way I live too. From him, I’ve learned that no task is too small to matter. Whether I’m leading my basketball team or completing a school assignment, I try to approach everything with intention. As captain of my team, I didn’t just focus on performance. I focused on building others up—making sure teammates felt seen and supported. That’s how my dad leads. He always says, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” For him, doing it right doesn’t mean being perfect—it means giving your full effort and putting your heart into it. That same principle guides my community work. My dad didn’t just show up to food or clothing drives, he connected with people. I’ve watched him have real conversations with people experiencing homelessness, listening without judgment and showing them the same respect he’d give anyone else. That taught me community service isn’t about checking a box, it’s about treating people with dignity. When I volunteer, I try to do the same; slow down, look people in the eye, and make sure they feel seen. Those moments may seem small, but they’re powerful. They’re seeds that can grow into real hope. Professionally, my dad’s example inspired me to pursue a career in sports medicine. He always told me to find work that I love; something that pushes me to grow and allows me to help other people. I’ve experienced firsthand how injuries can affect athletes physically and emotionally, and I want to be someone who helps people recover and rebuild confidence. I see this path as an opportunity to serve and to help others return to doing what they love. Another lesson I’ve carried from my dad is the ability to bounce back. Life doesn’t always go as planned. I’ve faced academic challenges and personal stress, and I’ve felt overwhelmed at times. But in those moments, I remember my dad responding to his own setbacks with faith and calm. That motivates me to keep pushing forward toward the Dean’s List, graduation, and a future where I can give back to my community through healthcare. In everything I do; academics, service, leadership, and future goals, I carry my father’s values. His life is proof that love, faith, and intentional action can change lives. That’s the kind of legacy I want to build; one that sews seeds into others, just like he did for me.
Patricia Lindsey Jackson Foundation - Eva Mae Jackson Scholarship of Education
Faith has always been a quiet but steady force in my life. I don’t talk about it all the time, but it’s behind every choice I make. It’s what gives me hope when things get hard, and it’s what keeps me focused on becoming the best version of myself. As a young Black male raised by my father in Washington, D.C., a community that tends to be overlooked and underserved, faith has played a major role in how I’ve learned to handle struggle, stay grounded, and move with purpose. My father is one of the most faithful and selfless people I know. He stepped up in ways that many wouldn’t. He worked long hours, made sure I had everything I needed, and still managed to show up for me, helping me with schoolwork or simply checking in on my mental health. His actions were rooted in something deeper than just responsibility. He taught me through his example that faith isn’t just about what you believe, it’s about how you live, how you treat people, and how you keep moving even when life gets heavy. Watching him live out those values helped shape my own view of faith; not as a set of rules, but as a mindset of strength, compassion, and service. That mindset has had a direct impact on my education. I see learning as more than a task, but as a responsibility. I want to gain knowledge to better myself and to give back. I’ve always believed that whatever blessings I receive, I should use them to uplift others. That belief is what led me to get involved in mentoring, tutoring, and volunteer work through youth programs like the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute and my church’s outreach events. Whether I’m leading by example in school or showing younger students in my neighborhood that success is possible, I see all of that as part of living out my faith. Faith has also kept me motivated during moments of doubt. There have been times when I questioned whether college was even an option. Coming from a background with limited financial resources and being a first-generation college student, the path hasn’t always felt clear. But every time I felt like giving up, I would remember what my dad has always told me: “God doesn’t bring you this far just to leave you.” That simple phrase has helped push me through sleepless nights, tough exams, and the fear of the unknown. It’s reminded me to trust the process and keep working even when the odds feel stacked against me. Another major influence in my life has been my community. I’ve seen firsthand what happens when young people don’t have guidance or opportunities. That’s why I’m passionate about using my education to create change. My goal is to pursue a career in sports technology, developing tools and systems that support athletic performance, injury prevention, and recovery. But more than just working in tech, I want to build programs and create innovations that are accessible to underserved communities like mine. I want to help student-athletes stay healthy, confident, and driven, on the field and in life. That purpose is deeply connected to my faith, because I believe I’ve been called to serve in a way that uplifts others. At the end of the day, my academic and future goals aren’t just about personal success, they’re about legacy. I want to be someone who creates opportunities, opens doors, and inspires others to aim higher, just like people in my life have done for me. The strength and example of my father, the resilience of my community, and the quiet but steady presence of my faith have all pushed me toward this path. This scholarship honors women who led with faith, integrity, and a passion for education. I strive every day to reflect those same values. I believe that by continuing to walk in faith, lead with honesty, and serve with purpose, I can not only reach my own goals but help others believe in the power of theirs too.
Harry & Mary Sheaffer Scholarship
As a first-generation college student raised by my father in Washington, D.C., I’ve had to learn how to navigate unfamiliar systems, make tough choices, and advocate for myself in spaces where few people looked like me or shared my background. But through those challenges, I discovered my voice, my purpose, and a deep desire to use my talents not just for personal success, but for the greater good. I am pursuing a degree in computer science with a focus on sports technology. My dream is to use technology to create tools that support injury prevention, recovery, and athletic performance, especially for underserved athletes who lack access to elite training and medical care. While this might seem like a niche goal, it’s rooted in something deeply human; empathy. In my community, I’ve seen countless talented athletes sidelined by injuries that could have been prevented with the right support. I’ve also seen how losing that one outlet, meaning sports, can lead to a chain reaction of disappointment, disengagement, and lost potential. My goal is to break that cycle. I want to use my technical skills to create affordable, accessible solutions that protect athletes’ bodies, but also preserve their hopes and dreams. But my contribution to a more empathetic global community goes beyond tech innovation. I believe empathy starts with representation; seeing someone who understands your experience, who’s walked the same path, and who chooses to reach back and help others climb. As someone who grew up in an underserved area and is now forging a path in STEM, I want to be that person for others. I plan to mentor students, especially other first-generation and minority students, helping them believe in their potential and guiding them through the same challenges I faced. I also believe in the power of storytelling and sharing experiences. I find that conversations around STEM and innovation are disconnected from the communities most in need. I want to use my voice and lived experience to bring humanity into these spaces, making sure that empathy and equity are at the core of the solutions we build. I will continue creating space for connection and understanding by speaking on panels, organizing workshops, or just listening to someone who feels unheard. The global community is growing more connected each day, yet we still face deep divides in opportunity and access. To bridge those divides, we need people who are skilled, but who also understand the struggles that go unseen. I bring that understanding with me every day, as a student, as a future technologist, and as a young man committed to making a difference. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue my education without being burdened by financial stress. More importantly, it would be an investment in a student who is determined to use every lesson, every tool, and every ounce of knowledge to build a more compassionate, inclusive future.
WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
My greatest achievement to date isn’t a medal, a title, or a high GPA. It's my journey to college as a young man raised by my father in Washington, D.C. In a community where systemic barriers can outweigh opportunity, I see my presence in higher education as a personal milestone and a symbol of perseverance, growth, and responsibility. It is proof that despite limited resources, difficult decisions, and generational challenges, I can still rise and bring others along with me. What makes this achievement meaningful is not just the act of being accepted to college, but what it took to get here. I’ve balanced academics with family responsibilities, participated in leadership programs like the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, and used every free moment to explore my passion for STEM. While some students could focus solely on school, I had to consider things like: “Can we afford internet this month?” or “Will I need to get a job instead of applying for internships?” These weren’t just hypothetical choices, they were real, constant pressures. But instead of letting those questions stop me, I used them to fuel my determination. That journey taught me more than any textbook could. It taught me how to advocate for myself, how to lead with empathy, and how to think long-term, even when the short-term feels uncertain. I’ve learned that success is determined by what you achieve, but it’s also about how you respond when things don’t go your way. I’ve faced setbacks, like financial strain and moments of self-doubt, but I’ve also found strength in community and purpose. I’ve learned how to ask for help, how to stay disciplined, and how to dream even when dreaming feels risky. Today, I’m pursuing a degree in computer science with a focus on sports technology, blending my love for athletics and STEM to create innovative tools that support injury prevention, performance, and recovery. I want to build tech that makes elite training and recovery methods accessible to all athletes, especially those in underfunded schools and neighborhoods like the one I grew up in. So many young athletes lose their futures due to preventable injuries and a lack of resources. I want to change that. In the future, I see myself not only as a developer or engineer, but also as a mentor and advocate. I want to create systems through apps, wearable tech, or community-based programs that uplift underserved youth and show them what’s possible when education and innovation meet purpose. I want to be the person I once needed; someone who sees your potential even when your circumstances try to hide it. The WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship would be financial support and just as important, it would be a vote of confidence for students like me who are pushing forward despite the odds. It would allow me to focus more on school, research, and service, and less on financial pressure. Most importantly, it would give me the momentum to keep building toward a future where success isn’t dictated by zip code or income, but by passion, effort, and purpose. My story is still being written, but I know this for sure, my biggest achievement so far is making it here. And my biggest dream is to make sure others can, too.
Debra Victoria Scholarship
As a young Black male raised by a single father, my upbringing has shaped not only my values but also the career goals I’m determined to achieve. My father has been the steady force in my life. Always working hard, making sacrifices, and doing everything in his power to ensure I had opportunities he didn’t. He wore every hat: provider, protector, role model, and motivator. Watching him navigate the challenges of parenthood on his own taught me early on about strength and responsibility. Growing up in Washington, D.C., in an underserved community, I’ve seen how limited access to resources, both educational and financial, can affect a young person’s future. But my father made sure I understood that my circumstances didn’t have to define my outcome. He constantly reminded me that education would be my way forward, and I took that to heart. It’s what drives me today as a computer science major focused on sports technology. I chose this path because I see how technology can be used to support athletic performance, prevent injuries, and improve recovery, especially for student-athletes in communities like mine. I see how advanced tools and data-driven training are only accessible to athletes in elite or well-funded programs. I want to change that. I want to build solutions that level the playing field and create more opportunity, whether through wearable tech, mobile platforms, or injury prevention tools. Throughout my first year of college, I’ve been intentional about gaining skills that connect my studies with real-world impact. I’ve joined student tech groups, worked on projects focused on performance analytics, and sought mentors in both the sports and tech industries. Financially, I’ve taken steps to lessen the burden on my father by applying for scholarships, budgeting carefully, and working part-time when possible. My father has carried the weight for so long and I want to do my part now and in the future. After college, I plan to pursue a career in sports technology, working either with companies that develop wearable performance tools or by creating my own solutions that support underserved athletes. I hope to eventually partner with schools and youth programs in communities like mine to bring those tools directly to students who need them most. My long-term goal is to use technology to build a healthier, more equitable future in sports, where access to smart training and recovery isn’t determined by zip code or income. Being raised by my father as a young Black man gave me the blueprint for perseverance and purpose. I'm adamant about building something that can impact others. This scholarship would help ease the financial strain of my education, allowing me to stay focused on the bigger picture and honoring my father’s sacrifices by becoming the kind of leader, innovator, and role model he raised me to be.
Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
If given the opportunity, I would improve my community by developing accessible sports technology programs that promote youth wellness, injury prevention, and long-term health, especially in underserved Black communities. As a computer science major with a deep passion for both athletics and service, I see sports not only as a tool for physical development but also as a bridge to opportunity, self-discipline, and confidence. Far too often, Black youth face barriers to safe athletic participation; ranging from poor equipment and lack of injury education to limited access to proper training and rehabilitation resources. My vision is to create community-centered programs that combine wearable technology, data-driven coaching, and rehabilitation tools to support young athletes. Particularly those in public schools or low-income areas. I would build mobile units equipped with smart training gear, physical therapists, and coaches that travel to schools, parks, and rec centers. These units would provide free performance assessments, injury screenings, and digital progress tracking to help kids and coaches better understand how to train smarter, not just harder. These services would also include workshops on recovery, stretching techniques, and safe strength training to reduce the risk of long-term injuries. This mission is deeply personal to me. I’ve watched peers with enormous potential have their athletic dreams derailed because of preventable injuries or lack of access to rehab support. I’ve seen promising futures dim simply because there weren’t enough resources in our neighborhoods. I want to change that. By improving access to sports health technology and performance tools, I aim to create a system where talent isn’t wasted due to inequality. Every child deserves the opportunity to safely pursue their passions and build a future from their gifts. This work also honors my family’s legacy. Like Henry Walker Sr., my ancestors didn’t have much, but they used their strength, service, and sacrifice to pave the way for future generations. Henry Walker Sr. served his country in the face of brutal racism and still stood tall for something greater than himself. His courage, integrity, and sense of duty inspire me to use my skills in a way that uplifts others and creates lasting change. I believe my contribution, through technology, service, and community leadership, can carry that legacy forward and expand it in new, innovative directions. Community transformation doesn’t always start with massive change. It often begins with one idea, one act of service. By combining innovation with compassion, I can help shape a future where Black youth are empowered to grow stronger, stay safer, and dream bigger. Supporting their health is not just important to me, it’s essential to the long-term wellness, justice, and joy of my community.
Sgt. Albert Dono Ware Memorial Scholarship
Sgt. Albert Dono Ware’s story is much more than one of military service. It is a powerful testament to purpose, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to uplift something greater than oneself. His commitment to helping others and serving his country is a reminder that true leadership starts with service. As a young person passionate about both technology and community uplift, I see Sgt. Ware’s legacy as a personal call to action; to serve with intention, to lead with compassion, and to create meaningful change where it’s most needed. My journey in computer science began with a love for problem-solving and innovation, but over time, it has grown into something deeper with deeper meaning and purpose. For me, studying computer science isn’t just about coding or building apps. It's using technology as a tool to address real-world challenges. I aim to create smart, data-driven solutions that help athletes improve their performance, recover from injury faster, and prevent injuries before they happen. My long-term vision is to bridge the gap between sports, health science, and tech by developing accessible tools, like wearable devices and rehab software, that benefit not just elite athletes, but everyday players in underserved communities like my own. At the heart of that vision is service. Technology can do incredible things, but its impact is only as powerful as the intent behind it. That’s why community service has been such an important part of my growth and perspective. Giving back keeps me grounded and reminds me of why I am on the journey that I am; to uplift people who tend to be overlooked. As a volunteer at The Church Without Walls through its Global Reach Homeless Outreach, I’ve led youth efforts to distribute meals, coats, toys, and other supplies to people in need. This work has been incredibly humbling. It’s taught me how important dignity, consistency, and empathy are when serving others. It has also shown me that leadership often happens quietly, by noticing what others need and stepping in without expecting any recognition. I also serve as a Media and Technology Youth Advisor at my church, where I manage audiovisual equipment, livestream services, and edit digital content. This role has strengthened my technical skills while giving me the opportunity to teach and mentor younger members of our congregation, as well as assist the elderly with computer operation. Working behind the scenes to make sure services and events run smoothly, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, helped me see how technology can connect people and support communities, even in difficult times. I’ve also worked with the D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement to support community events designed to prevent violence and promote safety. From summer block parties to back-to-school drives, I’ve assisted with organizing logistics and distributing supplies. These efforts showed me how vital it is for young people to be visible in efforts to improve their neighborhoods, and not just as participants, but as planners and leaders. That’s why I joined the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, where I’ve served as an Omega Team Leader. There, I’ve been part of a youth government simulation, helped create initiatives for youth involvement, and taken part in forums focused on solutions to community violence. Being part of MBYLI helped me find my voice and realize that youth perspectives matter, especially when it comes to solving problems we face every day. All of these experiences have shaped my understanding of service as something active and evolving. Like Sgt. Ware, I believe that service means stepping into challenges with courage and compassion. It means making sacrifices when necessary and using your skills, whether on the battlefield, in a community kitchen, or behind a computer screen, for the greater good. When I think about the challenges facing the African diaspora in the U.S., I see both systemic issues and incredible potential. We face persistent disparities in education, healthcare access, economic opportunity, and public safety. Yet we also have powerful cultural strengths, creativity, and a rising generation of youth ready to lead. In my view, one of the most critical reforms is expanding access to STEM education and technology in underserved communities. If we want to close opportunity gaps, we need to invest in programs that both teach technical skills, and also show students how those skills can be used to change their lives and uplift their communities. These reforms need to start early. We must invest in public schools, especially in Black neighborhoods, with updated equipment, diverse STEM teachers, and real-world learning opportunities. We should also fund mentorship programs that connect students with professionals who look like them and understand their experiences. It’s also important to pair technical education with leadership development, so students not only know how to build, but also why they’re building, and for whom. To make this happen, key stakeholders need to work together. Community organizations can help identify needs and build trust. School systems and local governments must prioritize inclusive STEM funding. Tech companies must move beyond lip service and provide tangible support, through internships, equipment donations, or outreach programs. And students like me, must continue stepping up, using our voices and our skills to shape the future. Sgt. Ware’s values of service, sacrifice, and bravery are more than ideals. They are a roadmap for how to live with purpose and give back with impact. In my own journey through computer science, community outreach, and youth leadership, I carry those values with me. I believe that service and innovation are not separate paths, but deeply connected. To honor Sgt. Ware’s legacy is to live with intention, to lead with compassion, and to never forget that real change starts with showing up for others, again and again.
Sharra Rainbolt Memorial Scholarship
Cancer has a way of showing up uninvited and leaving behind a trail of heartbreak. My family experienced that heartbreak when my grandmother passed away from lung cancer; a diagnosis that shocked all of us, especially because she had never smoked a day in her life. I was young when she got sick, but the impact of her illness and loss has stayed with me ever since. It shaped how I see life, health, and the importance of making the most out of every opportunity. My grandmother was one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. She was the glue that held our family together. She was kind, funny, and always willing to put others before herself. When she was diagnosed, we couldn’t understand how someone so full of life could be facing something so serious. Even the doctors were surprised; like many people, we assumed lung cancer was mainly linked to smoking. But we learned quickly that cancer doesn’t always follow rules or expectations. Watching her go through treatment was one of the hardest experiences of my life. The chemo, the hospital stays, the constant doctor visits; it was all overwhelming. What made it even harder was seeing someone I loved in pain and knowing there was only so much anyone could do. My family struggled emotionally and financially. Medical bills piled up, and the stress took a toll on everyone. There were moments when everyday life, such as school for me, work for my dad, even just smiling, felt almost impossible. But even during her illness, my grandmother taught me lessons in courage and grace. She never complained. She kept fighting, and she kept loving. And even though she eventually lost that battle, the strength she showed during that time gave me a new perspective on life. I learned that to be strong, you don’t have to pretend everything is okay. Even when things are not, strength is showing up, caring for others, and refusing to let fear take over. Her passing lit a fire in me to pursue something bigger than myself. It made me think deeply about health, technology, and how we could do more to detect and treat illnesses earlier. That’s part of what led me to study Computer Science and focus on ways technology can support healthcare. I want to be part of the innovation that helps people live longer, healthier lives, no matter their background or circumstances. Dealing with cancer in my family changed me. It made me more driven because I know my grandmother would’ve wanted me to be, and more aware of how fragile life is. I carry that awareness with me every day, especially when school gets hard or when things feel uncertain. I remind myself that I’m lucky to have this chance to chase my goals; something my grandmother wanted for all of my family. I push forward for myself and in honor of her memory. This scholarship would help me continue that journey without the added weight of financial stress. More importantly, it would be a reminder that even in the face of loss, it’s possible to build something meaningful and impactful. I’m determined to do exactly that with purpose, and the love and lessons my grandmother left behind.
Scholar Budget Define Your Dream Scholarship
As a first-generation, low-income African-American student from Washington, DC, I’ve faced my share of challenges, but I’ve never let those obstacles define me. They’ve strengthened my resolve and shaped the vision I have for my future, which is a career that blends Computer Science with Sports Medicine and Technology. I believe that with hard work, an ambitious mindset, and the right support, I can turn this dream into reality, and not just for myself, but for those who look like me and come from where I come from. From a young age, I was fascinated by both athletics and technology. I played sports growing up, and I saw firsthand how injuries could sideline promising talent and change lives. At the same time, I was drawn to computers; how they work, how they can solve problems, and how they’re shaping the future. When I discovered the emerging field of sports technology, particularly innovations in injury prevention, performance tracking, and rehabilitation, I knew I found my calling. I want to be a part of the next wave of breakthroughs that keep athletes healthier, stronger, and performing at their best. Majoring in Computer Science is the first major step toward that goal. I’m currently building a foundation in programming, data analysis, and systems design, which are all crucial skills in sports tech. But education takes place outside of the classroom as well. I’m actively seeking internships, mentorships, and hands-on experiences that will allow me to apply what I learn to real-world problems. I hope to work with sports organizations, tech startups, or research labs that are exploring how wearable tech and biomechanics can transform athlete care. Technology is my dream, but so is representation! There are very few Black professionals at the intersection of sports medicine and tech. I want to change that. I want young people from D.C. and communities like mine to see that it’s possible to break into innovative fields, even when the odds seem stacked against you. By achieving my goals, I hope to become a role model and advocate for students who are overlooked. Financial limitations have made the path more difficult, but not impossible. Scholarships like this one are critical in helping students like me stay focused on academics and growth without the constant weight of financial stress. Receiving this support would ease that burden and affirm that others believe in my potential as much as I do. In the long run, I hope to create and contribute to technology that supports athlete wellness, especially in underserved communities where access to quality care is limited. Whether it’s through injury detection tools or affordable wearable devices, I want my work to have a meaningful impact. My dream is big, but I believe I have the mindset and discipline to make it a reality. I’m pursuing a degree to build a future that bridges my passions and serves a greater purpose. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that future, and I am committed to making the most of the opportunity.
Freddie L Brown Sr. Scholarship
Freshman year of college teaches you many things; how to balance a budget, how to make friends, and most importantly, how not to cook when you’re half-asleep. It was a late Thursday night, and I was hungry. Not just any kind of hungry. I’m tired of Ramen, I need some real food kind of hungry. So I did what any brave college student with a microwave and zero kitchen training would do. I attempted to make mac and cheese from scratch. Don’t ask me why I didn’t just buy the boxed kind. I was feeling bold! I had YouTube. I had shredded cheese. I had confidence. What could go wrong? Everything. First, I didn’t have real milk, so I used the vanilla almond milk my roommate drinks. Sweet, nutty mac and cheese was not the vibe, but I pressed on. Then I forgot to drain the pasta. So now I had soupy, vanilla almond-flavored noodles. Still, I persisted. I dumped in cheese; too much cheese. The microwave groaned. Literally. It made a sound I can only describe as “regret.” By the time I opened the microwave door, it looked like a dairy-based crime scene. The bowl had cracked, cheese was bubbling over like a science experiment gone wrong, and the smell… imagine a candle called “burnt dreams and sadness.” I stood there in horror. My roommate walked in, looked at the mess, and just said, “You good?” I nodded, holding back tears and cheese. “You know they have free food downstairs tonight, right?” Of course they did. Since that day, I’ve retired from homemade mac and cheese and stuck to snacks that don’t involve chemistry. But I learned a valuable lesson. Sometimes, the biggest laughs come from the smallest disasters. And if you’re lucky, there’s free pizza downstairs.
Grand Oaks Enterprises LLC Scholarship
I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., a city that represents the power of possibility and the weight of history. From a young age, I was exposed to two sides of my community; the one that makes national headlines for its high crime rate, and the one that lives quietly beneath the surface, filled with culture and people who look out for each other like family. I grew up surrounded by strong, hardworking individuals who, unfortunately, had to work twice as hard for half the credit. Seeing that inspired me. It made me realize that success is ultimately where you end up, but first, it’s where you come from and how you use your story to fuel your future that matters. My journey hasn’t always been smooth. I’ve faced obstacles that mentally affected me, such as losing classmates through city violence. I’ve had doubts and challenges, such as thoughts of if I would make it myself. This tested me as a student and as a young Black man trying to find my way in a world that I know isn’t always built to see me win. Instead of being deterred, I've learned to climb over those walls and use them as vantage points. I was the captain of my high school basketball team, where I learned the value of leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Off the court, I dedicate my time to community service with my church; organizing food, clothing and toy drives, participate in homeless outreach, and I lead media and technology operations; in addition to volunteering with city programs like the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. I also stepped into leadership roles through the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute of Washington, D.C., serving as an Omega Leader, advocating for youth on forums that gave the youth in my city an opportunity to have their voices heard about community violence concerns, on a platform they might not otherwise have. These experiences gave me purpose and helped me realize I want to be a positive influence for others in my community. My decision to attend a HBCU was intentional and deeply personal. HBCUs are sacred spaces that have been lifting up generations of Black excellence since a time when we were denied access to mainstream institutions. They are a testament to our brilliance, our struggle, and our strength. To me, attending a HBCU means being part of something bigger than myself. It means walking the same halls as those who paved the way for me to even have a shot at higher education. It means being in classrooms where I am seen, valued, and challenged. I am learning from professors who understand the culture. These are people who have lived the Black experience and can mentor me through my own, as well as through the curriculum. As a student at Winston-Salem State University, I feel a sense of pride every day. The energy is different here. There’s a bond that can’t be explained, only felt. From drumlines to Greek life, from classroom debates to late-night studying, it all reassures me that I belong and that I’m a part of a legacy of excellence. The HBCU legacy promotes learning, but just as importantly, promotes personal growth, which can transcend culturally and spiritually. I’m currently majoring in computer science, and my long-term goal is sports medicine therapy/sports technology. That might sound like an unusual combination, but it makes perfect sense to me. I’ve always loved technology and I’ve always had a passion for sports. As an athlete, I understand how injuries can impact your performance and your confidence. Therefore, I want to help athletes, especially young Black athletes in underserved communities, recover better and heal faster. And with modern technology ever-evolving, this is possible! Whether through developing improved injury tracking technology or working directly in the training room, I want to make a difference where it counts. More than anything, I want to give back to the people and places that made me. My family has sacrificed so much to get me here. Every late night ride to and from basketball practice, every dollar put toward my education instead of something they needed, those moments are not lost with me. I want to be the kind of man they can be proud of. I want to be a role model for my younger sister, and the kids growing up in my neighborhood who might not see college as a possibility. I want to show them that it’s possible to come from D.C., attend a HBCU, and still make a global impact. I plan to bridge the gap between opportunity and access through my studies and service. I want to mentor youth in underserved communities, like mine, and provide them with exposure to STEM fields, sports medicine, and college life. I want to return to my neighborhood as someone who creates paths for others to follow. I believe real change starts when people who make it don’t just leave, but reach back to uplift the next person coming behind them. Being at a HBCU allows me to explore all parts of who I am, including my identity and my dreams, without having to shrink either of them. It provides me with an environment where I don’t have to choose between being excellent and being authentic. I can be both! That’s the power of the HBCU experience. As I continue on this journey, I carry with me the stories, prayers, and sacrifices of everyone who believed in me. And I don’t take that lightly. Every class I take, every internship I pursue, every program I join is a step toward honoring that legacy. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but I also know I was built for this. HBCUs have created so many leaders, and I plan to be one of them. Thanks to my HBCU, this is my mission. This is my legacy. This is me.
Eleven Scholarship
In high school, I faced one of my biggest challenges during my junior year. As a first-generation student from a low-income household, I was determined to excel academically and pursue my passion for technology. However, the steep learning curve in my advanced STEM apprenticeship, combined with limited access to academic resources, left me feeling overwhelmed and underprepared. I remember struggling to grasp complex programming concepts that some of my peers seemed to learn effortlessly. It was a period filled with self-doubt, but also the spark that ignited my determination to “turn it up to 11.” The turning point came when I enrolled in an online coding bootcamp. Although it was free, the self-paced structure demanded a level of discipline I had never needed before. I dedicated extra hours each day to practice coding, seeking out additional resources like YouTube tutorials and coding forums. Slowly, the abstract concepts began to make sense, and I started applying them to small projects. One project, in particular, involved getting involved on the ground floor of developing a basic app to help my hometown of Washington, D.C.'s community centers manage their event schedules; an app that eases communication for the under-resourced. This experience taught me several invaluable lessons. First, I learned that challenges are opportunities in disguise. Every setback was a chance to grow, learn, and refine my approach. Second, I discovered the power of persistence. Even when the path seemed insurmountable, breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable tasks and goals helped me rebuild my confidence. Finally, I realized that innovation springs from necessity. The struggles I encountered pushed me to think more creatively, leveraging limited resources to achieve meaningful results. “Turning it up to 11” for me means meeting expectations, but exceeding them by embracing challenges as a catalyst for personal and academic growth. This mindset has not only improved my technical skills but has also inspired me to share my experiences with others. I began mentoring younger students at my community center camps, offering guidance and sharing strategies to overcome similar obstacles. Watching others grow through the lessons I had learned reinforced my belief in the transformative power of perseverance. I would be thrilled to participate in the Inspire11 mentorship program! Having a mentor who is a world-class innovator in technology or data science would provide invaluable insights that can accelerate my academic and professional journey. A mentor’s guidance could help me navigate the complexities of higher education and the STEM field by offering personalized advice, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities. Additionally, the mentorship program’s tailored approach aligns perfectly with my goal of continuously “turning it up to 11.” With expert advice, I can refine my skills, learn new cutting-edge techniques, and develop new projects that address real-world challenges in underserved communities. By participating in this mentorship program, I aim to build on my experiences and continue pushing boundaries. The guidance and support from Inspire11 would help me overcome future challenges and also empower me to innovate, lead, and eventually fully give back to the community. I see this as a stepping stone toward a future where I can help break down barriers in STEM, inspiring a new generation of first-generation and under-resourced students to achieve their full potential! In conclusion, my journey has taught me that every challenge carries the seed of opportunity. With persistence, creativity, and the right mentorship, I am ready to continue turning it up to 11, not only for my own success but for the betterment of my community and the world of STEM.
Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship
Consider the NBA, a league where every dribble and pass is meticulously tracked. What if subtle shifts in a player’s weight distribution before a jump shot could be analyzed in real-time to predict success, offering coaches valuable in-game insights? Or imagine wearable tech providing instantaneous data on player fatigue, minimizing injuries that can derail careers. Now, envision underserved fans experiencing sitting courtside through immersive virtual reality, or interactive visualizations breaking down games into an educational tool for young aspiring players. It’s at this exciting intersection of technology and sports is where my aspirations lie. As a Computer Science major and first-generation college student, I’m determined to use technology to build a successful career and create meaningful change in the communities that raised me. My computer science goals are rooted in coding and sports technology. I want to merge my tech skills with my passion for athletics and leadership, especially to support underserved communities like mine, and develop tools that make sports more inclusive and empowering. Growing up in a low-income household in Washington, D.C., I didn’t have access to many resources, but I always had curiosity and determination. I was a student-athlete and the captain of my high school basketball team. I began learning computer skills using free online resources like YouTube, never imagining that I could connect my love for sports with technology. As I gained knowledge in coding and programming, I discovered sports tech, a field where innovation, analytics, and athletic performance merge. At my church, I lead the media tech committee, where I edit videos and manage livestreams and digital communication. This hands-on experience has boosted my confidence in both technical and leadership skills. I’ve seen how technology can connect people by enhancing performance and telling compelling stories, and I believe these tools can revolutionize sports. From performance tracking to injury prevention and virtual training environments, sports technology is changing the game, pun intended! And I very much want to be part of that movement. Looking ahead, I plan to work in sports technology as a software developer. I aim to code and design apps and systems that help athletes track progress, avoid injuries, and maximize performance. I’m especially drawn to wearable tech and data visualization, which offer coaches and players valuable insights into the game. But I also want to go a step further by developing platforms that provide under-resourced youth with computer training workshops, mentorship opportunities, and ultimately a community-based sports tech lab that unites fitness, data, and innovation. I want to encourage youth to use sports as a pathway to college and overall success. Outside of computer science, my goals focus on leadership and service. Through my work with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement in Washington, D.C., I learned to lead with empathy and create opportunities for others. I’m passionate about using my experiences in sports and tech to give back. The Lyndsey Scott Coding+ Scholarship perfectly aligns with my mission to blend technology and athletics. While my goal is to become a developer, I also want to use software development to drive successful outcomes, open doors, and uplift voices overlooked in both sports and STEM. I believe the future of tech should reflect the diversity of its users, and I plan to be one of the innovators leading that charge. With this scholarship, I’ll continue building a future where my love for sports and technology works hand-in-hand to inspire change and make a lasting impact through innovation.
Cyber Scholar Now Scholarship
As a first-generation college student attending Winston-Salem State University, I’ve come to understand that education is actually a privilege and one of the most powerful toosl for transformation. I am majoring in Computer Science because technology has always fascinated me for its ability to solve real problems and connect communities that seem to be left behind. Coming from a low-income background in Washington, D.C., I’ve faced challenges that have tested my determination, but they’ve also shaped my purpose. Growing up, I didn’t always have the newest devices, fast internet, or even consistent access to a computer, but I was curious. I wanted to understand how things worked, how apps were built, and how people used code to create systems that made life easier. I began teaching myself with free online resources, such as YouTube tutorials, and by experimenting with old computers at my church. That curiosity turned into a passion, and eventually into purpose. I saw how the digital divide affected my neighborhood; how many students my age were limited by what they didn’t have. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a career in technology not just for myself, but to be a resource for others like me. At Winston-Salem State University, I’ve continued to build on that passion. I lead the media and tech committee at my church, where I oversee live streaming, train volunteers, and troubleshoot technical issues. I also serve as a technology advisor, helping to make digital tools more accessible to older church members. Through my work with the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement in D.C., I’ve learned the value of service, leadership, and what it means to be rooted in your community while striving for excellence. What inspires me most about computer science is that it’s limitless. With cybersecurity, app development, artificial intelligence, and more, technology is currently shaping our future, and I want to be part of making sure that future includes people who look like me. I’m especially passionate about increasing tech access and education in underserved communities. I envision creating programs that teach coding to Black youth, building platforms that connect people to mental health and education resources, and using my skills to bridge the digital divide in creative, impactful ways. Receiving the Cyber Scholar Now Scholarship would help ease the financial burden that weighs heavily on first-generation college students like myself, but it would also empower me to continue forward with confidence. It would affirm that my experiences and my goals matter. I am deeply committed to using my education to break cycles, uplift my community, and lead in spaces where people like me have historically been excluded. This scholarship is an investment in someone who refuses to let circumstance dictate outcome. I may be the first in my family to pursue a college degree, but I’m determined not to be the last.
Chidubé Bobby Lee Green, Jr. Nkiruka Memorial Scholarship
From a young age, I was always taught that education surpasses a road to success; that it’s a responsibility. I was taught that education is a way to honor our ancestors, and those who came before us, and to uplift those who come after. That belief has guided every step of my journey, especially as a first-generation college student navigating the challenges of higher education while striving to keep my faith and my purpose intact. For me, grades only scratch the surface in terms of academic excellence. I must be disciplined, remain curious, and have some sort of impact. As a computer science major, I’m passionate about creating innovative solutions that can change lives. Specifically, I want to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare, especially in underserved communities, like mine. I'm from Washington, D.C., where so many athletic greats started, and I’ve seen how injuries can sideline young athletes in my neighborhood who have promising futures, and not because the injuries are severe, but because the resources to treat and prevent them just aren’t there. And that’s where I see my purpose; to intertwine sports medicine and technology in a way that empowers others, just as knowledge has empowered me. Still, this journey hasn’t been easy. Transitioning into college was a wake-up call. I faced moments of doubt, times when finances were tight, and situations that tested my faith. But every challenge taught me something; the lessons that stood out the most would be time management, humility, the ability to bounce back, and most importantly, to lean on God when I didn’t have all the answers. My faith has been my GPS, guiding me through the uncertainty. Personal growth for me has come from stepping up even when I felt unprepared, like leading youth at church and mentoring younger city students. It was these moments that I’ve learned the most; how to actively listen, how to lead with compassion, and how to turn small acts of kindness into lasting impact. My spiritual advisor taught me that the strength of a leader is found in the consistency of their willingness to serve, not in their title or what they go by. I aim to reflect God’s light in whatever space I enter. My faith is the foundation of my goals, the two are not separate. My talents aren’t only for personal success, they’ll be used for building something bigger than myself. I wish to create space for people who look like me; young Black and Brown students, to believe in their own brilliance and feel seen in spaces where they’re usually overlooked. In addition to lightening the financial burden, receiving this scholarship would affirm the path I’ve chosen. First, it would honor Chidubè’s legacy, and second, the countless people who’ve poured into me. And in return, I promise to keep paying it forward, through mentorship, innovation, and a life of purpose driven by faith! I don’t have all the answers yet. But I do have a vision, a very strong foundation, and the fire to make a difference. And like Chidubè, I plan to live a life that inspires others to learn, grow, and rise above.
Redefining Victory Scholarship
Am I making an impact? Am I embracing challenges? Am I becoming the best version of myself? These are the questions that I ask myself to determine my success. I’ve heard of success being painted as a finish line; a college degree, a dream job, a certain amount of money in the bank. Although success can be a destination, to me it looks like a process and a journey. It’s the consistent pursuit of self improvement, lessons learned, and the moments of growth that shape who we are. Accumulating accolades or wealth can be considered as success, but to me it looks different than just that and here’s why. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I saw firsthand how success could mean different things to different people. Some measured it by escaping hardship, others by giving back to their communities. For me, success has always been the ability to bounce back. I’ve faced my share of setbacks; academic challenges, personal losses, and some moments of self-doubt, but each setback fueled my determination to push forward. One defining moment in my journey was when I became captain of my high school basketball team. As a freshman, I barely got any playing time. I wasn’t the strongest or the fastest, and I spent more time on the bench than on the court. But instead of letting that define me, I turned it into motivation. I put in extra hours at the gym, studied the game, and worked tirelessly to improve my skills. By junior year, I was not only a starter but also a leader. That experience taught me that success isn’t where you start, but it’s the fact that you started in the first place! And how hard you’re willing to work to get to where you want to be. Beyond sports, my passion for technology and community service has also shaped my vision of success. As the head of the Media and Tech Committee at my church, I’ve used my skills to modernize services and create digital outreach programs. Seeing how technology can bring people together and make a difference in my community has reinforced my belief that success is using your talents to uplift others. That’s why I chose to major in Computer Science at Winston-Salem State University, so I can combine my technical expertise with my desire to create change that means something. Yes, this scholarship opportunity will represent financial support for me, but it’s also a major stepping stone in using my knowledge and skills to improve the lives of other people. It will greatly help toward my ultimate goal of becoming a sports medicine therapist with a strong foundation in technology. I ultimately want to develop innovative rehabilitation techniques that merge sports science with modern technology to provide athletes with better recovery solutions. To me, success looks like passion and purpose all mixed together! When people hear the word “success”, I think some automatically assume, big achievement. However, small achievements are success as well, such as choosing to study late at night instead of going to a party or bringing a grade up in a course that once felt difficult. These are examples of choosing discipline over comfort, and the moments I pushed through when quitting seemed easier. Success is growth in character too! Learning from failures and using them as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks. As I continue my journey, I know that success will evolve. Today, it might be excelling in my studies and securing a summer internship. Tomorrow, it could be something completely different, such as giving my little sister advice on navigating middle school or learning a new computer program I knew nothing about. I think the beauty of success is that it’s not confined to one definition. It’s a continuous process of learning, striving and giving back. This scholarship will ease the financial burden of my education and allow me to chase my dreams without limitations and take steps toward my long term aspirations. With this opportunity, I can continue to redefine success for myself and those who come after me. Success looks like leaving a legacy in the lives I touch, the impact I make, and the difference I leave behind, and with every challenge I overcome and every lesson I learn, I know that I’m one step closer to that vision of success.
Angelia Zeigler Gibbs Book Scholarship
Books aren’t just words on a page, they’re avenues into different worlds and ideas. As a kid, I spent hours flipping through pages, fascinated by the way stories unfolded. Yes, I read for entertainment, but I see now that I was decoding mysteries, analyzing characters, and learning how things worked. As I got older, my love for reading led me into an unexpected direction toward technology. One book that changed everything for me was Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. Reading about Black women like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson sparked something in me. I’m not a woman, but it was the first time I saw people the same color as me using their minds to change the world through technology. Their ability to turn numbers into something bigger inspired me to do the same. I wondered, what if I could create something impactful using my own skills? Curiosity led me to coding, which felt like a foreign language that didn’t make sense. But then, I realized it was just like reading a book. Every code was like a sentence, every program like a chapter, and every finished project like a completed novel. The same way authors use words to tell stories, programmers use code to bring ideas to life. The connection between literature and technology became clear, and I knew I had found my passion. Once I discovered my love for computer science, I threw myself into learning everything I could. I took online courses, joined online workshops, and even started helping out with tech projects at my church. I loved the problem-solving aspect, how a few lines of code could turn into a website, a game, or an app. It reminds me of the way books are structured; a problem is introduced, challenges arise, and then, through creativity and persistence, a solution is found. Now as a Computer Science major, my goal is to use technology to create opportunities for others, just like books did for me. I want to develop programs that make learning more accessible, build platforms that help young people explore new fields, and use my skills to bridge the gap between technology and community. Just as reading shaped my journey, I want to create tools that shape the journeys of others. Angelia Zeigler Gibbs’ dedication to reading reminds me of how knowledge, whether found in books or in code, can transform lives.
Arthur and Elana Panos Scholarship
Faith and computer science might seem like an unusual pair, but for me, the two are deeply connected. My faith isn’t just something I turn to on Sunday mornings or Wednesday night bible study. It's the foundation that keeps me steady when life has glitches. Growing up, I watched my family lean on God through every struggle, from financial hardships to great personal losses. There was always this unshakable belief that no matter how hard things got, God was working behind the scenes; debugging the chaos, so to speak. That mindset molded me. It taught me that talent or luck alone doesn't mean success. You must be both consistent and persistent, have integrity, and trust the process, even when you can’t see the full picture ahead. Faith has followed me into my journey as a Computer Science major. Coding feels like solving a never ending puzzle. Errors pop up, programs crash, and sometimes, you hit a wall where nothing seems to work. But just like in life, I’ve learned that the key is to stay patient, keep my integrity, and trust the work I’ve put in. When a program doesn’t run, I don’t quit. I troubleshoot, have faith that the solution is there, and continue to rework the logic until I find it. Beyond the technical side, my faith also shapes how I approach the tech world. Innovation moves fast in the field of Computer Science. It can be easy to cut corners and chase profits without thinking about the impact. But my morality is grounded in God’s teachings and reminds me that success means more than just landing a high paying job or creating the next big tech app. It means using technology responsibly, helping others, and staying true to my values, no matter how competitive the industry gets. Looking ahead, I want to combine my love for technology with my passion for service. Whether it’s developing apps that support mental health or creating programs for non-profits, I plan to use my skills for something bigger than myself. I truly believe that God didn’t give me the gift of being able to navigate tech just so I could build cool software. He gave me this passion so I can build solutions that make a difference. Just like the two immigrants that this scholarship honors, I understand that faith and hard work go hand in hand. They didn’t just dream, they worked relentlessly, all while staying true to their values. That’s exactly how I plan to approach my career. I’ll keep pushing forward, trusting God through the setbacks, and building a future where technology and faith work together to create real, meaningful change. Because at the end of the day, faith is both believing and building. And I’m ready to build something great!
Expression in Medicine Scholarship
In the world of sports medicine, which I major in, free expression is like the playbook for a winning team; it keeps the game dynamic, innovative, and fair. Without it, athletes and patients would be stuck with outdated strategies, forced to rely on methods that may no longer work. Yes, free expression is an ideal but it’s also the pulse of progress. Picture a sports medicine specialist uncovers a way to cut ACL recovery times in half. However, the method challenges conventional wisdom and worse, threatens the profits of major medical suppliers. Without the freedom to speak up, that breakthrough would remain hidden, and countless athletes would face unnecessary prolonged rehabilitation. Free expression ensures that innovation like this doesn’t just stay in someone’s head and that it becomes action. But free expression isn’t only about innovation. It’s the safeguard for ethics, too. Healthcare professionals sometimes face tough calls. Do you let an athlete with a mild concussion return to play when the coach insists? Do you challenge outdated safety protocols when it feels like no one else will? Free expression allows professionals to ask these hard questions without fear of retaliation, ensuring patient care always comes first. To protect and bolster free expression, sports medicine professionals must lead by example. First, foster an environment where every voice, no matter how unconventional, is heard. Collaboration between physical therapists, physicians, and trainers should prioritize respect and open dialogue. Next, embrace transparency. Platforms like peer-reviewed journals and medical conferences should remain open arenas for debate, not echo chambers of the status quo. Technology can also amplify these discussions. Tools like AI can analyze trends, highlight overlooked voices, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. Finally, professionals must advocate for policies that protect whistleblowers and encourage ethical dissent. Whether it’s speaking out against an unsafe practice or proposing radical new approaches, individuals should feel secure knowing their careers won’t be jeopardized for doing the right thing. In the fast-paced world of sports medicine, where every second counts, free expression ensures that no idea, innovation, or ethical concern is left on the bench. It’s how athletes are kept safe, how the boundaries of what’s possible are pushed, and most importantly, it’s how care remains centered on those who need it most. After all, the best plays are only made when everyone is free to call them!
William A. Lewis Scholarship
As a Black male freshman majoring in Computer Science at Winston-Salem State University, I understand firsthand how underrepresentation in STEM affects not just the workforce, but also students like me who aspire to enter into these fields. The journey to higher education hasn’t been smooth. For me, the biggest obstacle wasn’t just the rigorous coursework or long nights spent studying, it was battling self-doubt and the feeling that I didn’t belong in the STEM world. I’ve always had a knack for technology. I was the one always fixing my family members’ phones, troubleshooting Wi-Fi issues, and experimenting with computer programming in my spare time. But as much as I love tech, the narratives I saw in the media and my surroundings rarely featured people who looked like me excelling in this space. It felt like an unspoken rule that STEM wasn’t for “us”. That belief lingered in the back of my mind even as I excelled academically and earned my spot at an HBCU. The moment that really tested me came during my first few weeks of college. One of my professors handed back an early programming assignment with very critical feedback. Although I had put in hours of effort, my work was filled with errors. It was a wake up call that I wasn’t prepared for how demanding Computer Science would be at the collegiate level. I questioned whether I had the skills to make it through, whether I should even be here, and whether I was capable of succeeding in a field that so few Black men pursued. This is where my mentor, Mr. McDowell stepped in. Mr. McDowell is an alumnus of Winston-Salem State University and a former engineer who now works as a STEM advocate for HBCU students. I first met him through a campus leadership program, and when I confided in him about my struggles, he shared his own story. Like me, he had faced moments of doubt, but he emphasized that failure is not a reflection of your capability, instead it’s a step toward mastery. He encouraged me to adopt a mindset of growth and opportunity, reminding me that mistakes are opportunities to learn, not an indicator of how inadequate you are. Under his guidance, I began to view my errors in coding assignments as puzzles to solve rather than failures to fear. He also introduced me to a study group of upperclassmen who offer support. Through Mr. McDowell’s mentorship and the encouragement of my support group, I developed more confidence in my abilities. I started seeing myself as more than only a participant in STEM, but also as someone with the potential to innovate and inspire others. I am on track to receive an A in my Computing class by the end of the semester, which I believe to be a testament to my personal perseverance and the support of my academic community. This experience taught me that representation matters, but so does resilience. The ability to bounce back is key! My journey is just beginning, but I’m determined to pave the way for others like me to step into STEM with confidence and be of the same support, just like those who were of support to me. Thanks to those who believed in me, I now believe in myself.
Healing Self and Community Scholarship
Mental health care should be a right, not a privilege. As a future sports medicine therapist, I aim to create programs that integrate physical activity and mental health resources, making care more accessible and affordable. Sports have the power to improve both physical and mental well being, and I want to use this connection to help individuals thrive. I envision establishing community wellness centers that combine sports medicine, therapy, and education. These centers would offer free or low-cost services, such as injury prevention programs, group fitness classes, and mental health counseling. By integrating physical activity with therapy, these programs would provide holistic care that improves mental health while encouraging a sense of community. Additionally, I would develop workshops for coaches, athletes, and trainers to identify and address mental health challenges in sports. Educating leaders in athletics can help reduce stigma and ensure that young people receive support when they need it most. To keep the services affordable, I would seek partnerships with local schools, sports organizations, and nonprofits to subsidize the costs and expand access. Through this contribution, I hope to use my passion for sports medicine to break barriers to mental health care, empowering individuals to build resilience and embrace their full potential.
Hines Scholarship
Going to college means the world to me. It’s not only a step toward a brighter future for myself but also a chance to honor the sacrifices my family has made to see me succeed. As a young black male, I know the statistics and the struggles my community faces. I’ve grown up in Washington, D.C., where opportunities and resources are often limited, and the impact of the racial wealth gap is visible everywhere. But even with these challenges, I’ve always had a dream, which is to earn a degree, build a meaningful career, and make a difference in my community. At Winston-Salem State University, I feel like I’m laying the groundwork for a legacy that goes beyond myself. Yes, college is about academics for me, but it’s also about empowerment and growth. My major in STEM is the gateway to my future. I’m passionate about technology and how it can be used to improve lives, and I want to use my degree to bridge the gap between technology and healthcare as a sports medicine therapist. I hope to combine my love for sports and my interest in medicine, helping athletes recover and perform at their best. This is a field where representation matters, and I want to be a role model for young people who might see a career in STEM as out of reach. Attending an HBCU like WSSU is especially meaningful. It’s a place where my identity and experiences are understood and celebrated, where I can connect with professors and mentors who see potential in me and push me to reach it. I’m not just a student here. I’m a part of a legacy of resilience, excellence, and pride. Being at an HBCU has helped me embrace who I am and has strengthened my commitment to giving back. I see people every day who look like me and who have achieved so much, and that makes me feel capable of doing the same. I’m also deeply involved in my community, leading the Media and Tech Committee at my church and participating in community service through drives and programs. Serving others has taught me the importance of lifting people up, and I want to continue that work long after I graduate. My college education is about personal success creating a ripple effect that reaches others! I want to inspire young people to believe in themselves and show them that they can achieve their dreams, regardless of the obstacles. College is opening doors for me that I once thought were out of reach. It’s giving me the skills, confidence, and connections to turn my dreams into reality. Through my education, I’m building a foundation that will allow me to break the cycle of limitations which are imposed on people from minority backgrounds. I want to prove that we can overcome the barriers set before us and that we are capable of greatness. Going to college means that I’m not only building a future for myself but also paving the way for those who come after me. My journey is about creating a better legacy, one that uplifts my community and leaves a lasting impact.
Erin Lanae's HBCU Excellence Scholarship
I chose Winston-Salem State University in an HBCU because I wanted a college experience where I felt connected, supported, and inspired. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I know the importance of community, and I felt that an HBCU like WSSU would provide me with a space to thrive academically and personally. Being here is more than pursuing a degree to me; it means learning in an environment that values my background and supports my goals. At WSSU, I am surrounded by professors and mentors who believe in me and push me to reach my full potential. This experience has deepened my commitment to serving others, especially through my role as the head of the Media and Tech Committee at my church. WSSU has taught me that not only is success about individual achievement, but that it’s also about uplifting those around you and giving back to the community that supports you. Attending WSSU as an HBCU is a source of pride and purpose. I am proud to be part of a legacy of excellence, resilience, and community. This experience is shaping me into a person ready to make a positive impact, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me to grow and succeed.
Sherman S. Howard Legacy Foundation Scholarship
My involvement in my local church, Church Without Walls, has shaped my approach to service, making it a piece of who I am and a driving force behind my efforts in community. Growing up, church was more than a place of worship, it was a second home. I saw people from all walks of life come together to support one another, share strengths, and offer kindness to those in need. This environment taught me that faith and service go hand-in-hand and that genuine acts of compassion can make a lasting impact on others’ lives. As head of the Media and Tech Committee at my church, I play a role in ensuring that our services are accessible to everyone, including those who cannot attend in person. This position taught me about responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of serving others. Managing the tech side of services, from livestreaming to sound and visual effects, involves a lot of behind the scenes work that often goes unnoticed. Yet, every Sunday, when I see members of our congregation and others watching from home, I am reminded that these efforts make a difference. Our church is a source of comfort, strength, and connection for so many, and being able to contribute to that is a privilege. The skills I developed naturally extended into other areas of my community. One example is my work in various drives, whether it’s organizing clothing, food, or holiday toy drives, I’ve used my tech and media skills to help spread the word, gather donations, and coordinate volunteers. Knowing that some families depend on these drives to get through tough times drives me to do more each year. My church’s emphasis on outreach and giving to others instilled a deep sense of responsibility in me to support those who might be struggling. As a result, I see my role as more than simply “helping out”; I am called to serve with compassion, humility, and dedication. My involvement in church has also fostered my leadership skills. I have learned that leadership is about service and leading by example. My experience organizing events, working with others, and handling the details of our outreach programs has strengthened my confidence to take initiative in both church and community. I’ve discovered that leadership is not about standing at the front, it’s about guiding others with empathy, listening to their ideas, and working collaboratively. My church has been instrumental in helping me develop these skills, which I now use to make a meaningful impact in every service project I take on. The lessons I’ve learned through church are especially important as I prepare for college. I know that higher education is a privilege, and I feel a sense of responsibility to use my skills and opportunities to continue giving back. My goal is to pursue a degree in computer science and ultimately, a career in sports medicine therapy, a path that combines my interest in technology with my passion for helping others. I believe that the values I have learned through my church involvement; selflessness, perseverance, and faith, will guide me in both my studies and my future career. My church involvement has shaped me into someone who sees service not as an obligation but as a calling. The connections I’ve made and the lives impacted through our church community have deepened my faith and commitment to helping others. I am grateful for the foundation my church has provided, and I look forward to continuing this journey of service in college and beyond. I’m inspired by the love, compassion, and unity I’ve experienced with my church family.
Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship
Every day I strive to live by the qualities of leadership, resilience, selflessness, and focus that both my grandfather and Antonie “Tony” Bernard Thomas embodied. Growing up with a grandfather who was an Army Military Police Officer and later a dedicated D.C. homicide detective, I learned the importance of discipline, integrity, and a strong work ethic from a young age. My grandfather’s stories about his years of service were more than just tales of courage, they were lessons in sacrifice, the importance of helping others, and standing up for what’s right. Today, as I pursue my degree and work toward my own career goals, these values drive me. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential to me. As head of the media and tech committee at my church, I coordinate a team to ensure that our services reach all members of our congregation, both in-person and virtually. Communication is key in this role, as we must work together to handle any technical issues and deliver a seamless experience. This requires patience, active listening, and clear instructions, as everyone’s skills vary. I focus on encouraging each team member to contribute their strengths, and I make sure to be available for questions or guidance. Leading by example, I aim to show them the power of teamwork and respect, which I believe to be important for any effective leader. Resilience is another trait I incorporate into my life. My journey in academics and leadership hasn’t always been smooth, but I’ve learned to see challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles. When I was a basketball team captain, there were times we faced tough losses or personal struggles that affected team morale. My role was to remind everyone of our goals and keep us focused on the bigger picture. I encouraged my teammates to work harder, keep their heads up, and bounce back stronger. This resilience has been crucial in my studies as well, where I strive to stay disciplined and push through difficulties to achieve my academic goals. Selflessness, much like resilience, is a quality I’ve learned from my grandfather and my own volunteer work. I’ve participated in clothing, food, and toy drives, and have served meals to the homeless. These experiences taught me that helping others is a privilege, and it’s one of the most fulfilling ways to spend my time. Through volunteering, I’ve learned the power of kindness and community, values that have shaped my understanding of leadership as more than just a title; it’s a commitment to serve others. My goals are focused on making a difference. I’m working toward a career in sports medicine therapy, where I hope to combine my technical knowledge and passion for helping others to support athletes in my community. To me, leadership is about empathy and responsibility. It’s the ability to guide others, to serve them, and to set an example. True leaders don’t just command respect, they earn it through consistent actions and the care they show for those around them. My inspiration comes from witnessing how my grandfather dedicated himself to service and families other than just ours. Like him and Antonie “Tony” Bernard Thomas, I want to use my skills to leave a positive impact on the world, even if that means starting with just one person at a time. He and my grandfather inspire me to lead with compassion, focus, and resilience, qualities I aim to carry forward in both my studies and my life.
Private (PVT) Henry Walker Minority Scholarship
To improve my community, I would create a mentorship program that connects high school students with college students and young professionals who can offer guidance, support, and inspiration. Growing up, I’ve been fortunate to have role models who helped me understand the values of resilience, selflessness, and pursuing a higher purpose; the very values that Henry Walker Sr. embodied through his life and service. This scholarship exists to honor his legacy, and by establishing a mentorship network in my community, I hope to give others the same foundation and sense of direction that have been essential to my own journey. This program would have two primary focuses: academic support and career development. In the academic component, mentors would provide tutoring, study groups, and workshops on essential skills like time management and goal setting. For many students in underserved communities, access to resources and positive reinforcement can be limited, and this mentorship program would create a safe space for students to ask questions, make mistakes, and grow. By reinforcing the importance of hard work and education, we’d aim to inspire a new generation to pursue their goals with confidence, regardless of their starting point. The second focus, career development, would connect students with mentors from a variety of professional fields, from medicine to technology, law to the arts. Many young people in my community aren’t exposed to careers beyond what they see daily, and this can sometimes limit their aspirations. Bringing in mentors from diverse fields would open students’ eyes to possibilities they might never have considered. These mentors would assist with resume building, internship applications, mock interviews, and even professional goal setting, offering practical steps and firsthand advice. By learning about different career paths and gaining confidence in their abilities, students would be able to make better informed decisions about their future. This mentorship program would also build a strong sense of community and responsibility. As participants grow older and reach their career goals, they would be encouraged to come back as mentors, creating a cycle of support that benefits future generations. It’s about planting seeds that will flourish for years to come, developing a legacy of empowerment and service that mirrors the example set by Henry Walker Sr. Through his selflessness and courage, he showed that one person could make a lasting impact on their family and community. I want to honor that legacy by empowering others in my community to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Creating this program is essential to me because it addresses a gap I’ve seen in guidance and support. Growing up, I saw friends with incredible potential fall behind, not because they lacked ambition but because they lacked access to the tools and encouragement they needed. I want to change that. My community is resilient and full of talent, but it needs more pathways to opportunity. This program would be a hand up, helping students develop not only academic and professional skills but also the self confidence to take control of their futures. This initiative means so much to me because it embodies the values of those who have shaped my life, including mentors and leaders like Henry Walker Sr. who showed that courage and determination could overcome even the greatest challenges. He served with honor and loyalty, creating a lasting impact that inspired generations. Through this mentorship program, I hope to follow in his footsteps by making a difference in my own community, empowering others to believe in their abilities, and helping to create a brighter future for all.
Walking In Authority International Ministry Scholarship
In my mind, I see my community as a place both raw and resilient, a place that tells stories through its people, corners, and cracked sidewalks. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I’ve seen the city’s pulse; its highs, its lows of struggle, and most importantly, its strength. It’s a community that stands up, even when it’s knocked down. This grit has always inspired me, making me want to be part of its fabric, to give back in ways that could make a real difference. I wasn’t always aware of the power of community work, but everything changed the first time I volunteered at a holiday toy drive with my church family. It was supposed to be a few hours of my weekend, handing out gifts, sharing smiles, and shaking hands. But when a mother with two kids came up to me, eyes full of gratitude, I realized this wasn’t just about toys, it was about hope. That small act of kindness created a spark in me. I understood that community work isn’t about fixing everything at once, but rather adding threads to a larger purpose of resilience. From that moment, I dove deeper. I took on drives for clothing, food, and even bikes, wanting to give my community the tools it needs to thrive. My role as captain of the basketball team also opened my eyes to what mentorship means. I wanted my teammates not just to play the game well, but to see the court as a mirror for life just as my mentors taught me; how teamwork and discipline can carry them beyond the game itself. I spoke to them about the value of hard work and using every opportunity, however small, as a step toward bigger goals. My journey continued when I joined the D.C. Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute as an Omega Leader. There, I learned to organize, strategize, and inspire others to work for change. I saw firsthand how youth from different neighborhoods and backgrounds could unite under one purpose to bring pride and progress to our city. I led discussions on youth social issues, learned about policy, and even developed workshops on technology skills, realizing the importance of tech literacy in today’s world. It wasn’t about fixing problems; it was about giving others the confidence and tools to tackle challenges themselves. As head of the media and tech committee at my church, I work to make sure our community has access to resources and stays connected. From live streaming services to managing digital outreach, I bridge gaps so that everyone, especially those who can’t attend in person, feels included and informed. Through my church work, I’ve seen how technology can be a tool for unity. The change I want to see is subtle but I think it’s still very powerful. I want to empower others to believe they can make a difference, no matter how small. I may not be able to erase the challenges that my community faces, but I can bring moments of relief, inspiration, and strength. That’s what drives me every day, knowing that in some way, I’m adding to the story of D.C.
Michael Rudometkin Memorial Scholarship
Winner
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I learned that true success is about personal achievement, yes, but it’s also about how much you can help others along the way. Living in a community where people face many struggles, from lack of food and resources, I developed a deep sense of responsibility to give back. Even if I don’t have much to share, I can give in other ways. That drive to help has guided me in my service work and shaped my desire to pursue a career in sports medicine, where I can continue to make an impact. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve contributed to my community has been through my leadership in service initiatives. As an Omega Leader in the Marion Barry Youth Leadership Institute, I organized food and clothing drives, helped distribute holiday toys to children, and participated in feeding the homeless. These efforts were about more than just giving out items; they were also about offering hope and showing that someone cares. Leading these initiatives taught me that real selflessness requires perseverance. Even when we faced challenges like lack of resources or volunteer shortages, I knew the cause was too important to give up. The fulfillment of seeing the smiles on the faces of those we helped made every challenge worth it. In addition to these service projects, my commitment to helping others extends to my church, where I serve as the head of the media and tech committee. In this role, I manage the technology that supports our community outreach programs, ensuring that information about resources reaches those who need it. Through this work, I have been able to combine my passion for technology with my dedication to service. My experiences in service have shaped my passion for sports medicine. As a former basketball team captain, I’ve always had a love for sports, and I’ve seen firsthand how injuries can impact athletes, both physically and mentally. I want to be a sports medicine therapist not only to help people recover from injuries, but also to support their overall well being. Sports medicine allows me to connect my love for athletics with my desire to help others in a meaningful way. By becoming a therapist, I will not only be aiding physical recovery but also helping athletes regain confidence and return to doing what they love. For me, that’s the perfect combination of service and passion. Beyond organized service efforts, I try to embody selflessness in my everyday actions. Whether I’m mentoring younger students, volunteering in after-school programs, or offering a helping hand to someone in need, I strive to live by the belief that we rise by lifting others. Just as Michael Rudometkin dedicated his life to helping others, I want my future to be about more than just personal success. I want it to be about making a difference in the lives of those around me. Through this scholarship, I hope to continue following my passion for service while pursuing my degree in sports medicine. This career will allow me to make the world a better place, one recovery at a time, by helping people overcome injuries and obstacles and get back to what they love.
BIPOC Scholars in STEM
Life is a relay, and each year is a handoff to the next version of myself. Just as athletes train to be stronger and faster, I believe in preparing the best possible future for myself, and I know that a STEM education can be the key to a better life. By pursuing a career in sports medicine, my goal is to merge my passion for sports with science and technology. However, without financial support, my aspirations could be cut short. This scholarship offers a chance for me to keep that baton moving forward. In promising a better life to my future self, I commit to three things: 1. Growth through education. I believe that education is not just a way to improve my career prospects, but also my thinking, problem-solving, and ability to innovate. I promise my future self that I will stay focused on learning, continuously building on my STEM knowledge. By majoring in sports medicine, I’m already laying the foundation for a career that fuses my love of sports with scientific principles. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to afford textbooks, lab fees, and access to resources that are essential for mastering my major. I will make sure my education never stagnates, so each year I’m a more advanced version of myself than the last. 2. Giving back to the community. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I’ve seen firsthand how lack of resources and opportunities can limit the dreams of young people in underserved communities. I was lucky to participate in youth leadership programs, community service, and church tech initiatives, but I know many of my peers didn’t get those same chances. I promise my future self that I will find ways to give back, whether through mentorship or establishing outreach programs that introduce more minority students to STEM. This scholarship will help me get the education I need to be in a position to pay it forward and uplift others. 3. Financial independence and stability. Coming from a minority background, I understand how financial challenges can shape someone’s future. My father has supported me, but I also know that college can be a burden. I promise my future self that I will work hard to achieve financial stability so that money is never a barrier to my ambitions. With this scholarship, I’ll be able to complete my degree without the heavy burden of student loans or relying on my father’s limited resources. By investing in my education now, I am setting up a future where I can thrive independently and provide for myself, and eventually a family of my own. This scholarship isn’t just financial aid, it’s a stepping stone toward the life I’m committed to building. It would open doors that would otherwise be out of reach, empowering me to stay on track with my education and future career. As a sports medicine therapist, I will use STEM knowledge to change lives, and through this scholarship, I will change my own by ensuring that each version of me is better, stronger, and more equipped to take on the world.
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
In a world where athletes are celebrated for their strength, speed and skill, there is a realm of unseen heroes who mend the broken and strained, and ensure champions continue to perform their best. This is the world I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to, as a sports medicine therapist. The spark that ignited my passion for sports medicine began during my sophomore year of high school during the biggest football game of the year. Tensions were high as the scoreboard was tied with only minutes left on the clock. Then, it happened, our star player, Tim, made a sudden dash for the ball, only to collapse mid-stride, clutching his knee in agony. The game halted, and all eyes turned to the sideline. In those few moments of uncertainty, I witnessed something remarkable. The team’s sports therapist rushed onto the field with a calmness that put everyone at ease. She assessed Tim’s injury and her hands moved with gentleness and expertise. As she stabilized his leg and signaled for a stretcher, I saw the gratitude in Tim’s eyes. It was then that I realized the impact a sports medicine therapist could have, not just on an athlete’s career, but their spirit as well. From that day forward, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. The idea of being able to help restore and empower athletes captivated me. I started shadowing Ms. P, learning about the complexities of injuries, rehabilitation techniques, and the importance of mental resilience. She guided me through the intricacies of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that make up the human body. My fascination grew deeper into the science behind sports medicine. I discovered the human body to be an incredible machine capable of some astonishing things, but also susceptible to delicate imbalances. Understanding and finding ways to restore it became my interest. It wasn’t just the science that drew me in. It was the opportunity to be a part of an athlete’s journey and celebrate their victories and support them through their setbacks. I want to be a presence that athletes can rely on and help them rise after every fall. The idea of contributing to their success and playing a vital role in their stories, fills me with a sense of purpose. As I stand on the brink of my journey, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but I am ready to embrace it with the same passion that ignited my dream. My goal is to blend the art of healing with the science of performance to ensure that athletes can push their limits while staying safe and healthy. I see a future where I am not just a healer, but a partner in the pursuit of greatness. Every time I think back to that day of sophomore year, I am reminded of the moment that set me on this journey, when I saw firsthand the difference a sports medicine therapist can make.
HBCU STEM Scholarship
College for me is more than just a pathway to a degree; it’s a symbol of progress and an opportunity to break a cycle. Growing up, I’ve witnessed the struggles of first-generation, low-income families, including my own, where higher education seems like an unattainable distant dream. The chance to pursue a college education, especially in a STEM field, is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to give back to the community that raised me. Coming from Washington, D.C., where crime rates are high and opportunities are sometimes hard to come by, I’ve had to work twice as hard to be recognized. But I see this as an advantage. The challenges I’ve faced have taught me to remain steadfast, problem-solve, and critically think, all of which are crucial in STEM alone. As head of the media and technology committee at my church, I’ve developed an interest in the technology that powers everything from our daily routines to breakthroughs in medicine, energy, and education. This interest, combined with a desire to create solutions for communities like mine, solidified my choice to pursue STEM. Attending an HBCU for my STEM education holds special significance. For me, it’s about the academic experience and joining a legacy of Black excellence, where innovation, leadership, and resilience are considered the norm. At an HBCU, I know I’ll be surrounded by role models and peers who understand my background, and I’ll have the support to overcome the unique challenges that come with being a first-generation student in a demanding field. The cultural pride and community that HBCUs provide will not only push me to succeed as an individual, but will also push me to excel in my field of study. In college, I hope to dive deep into the STEM field, exploring how I can develop systems and solutions to serve underrepresented populations. I’m specifically excited to engage in hands-on projects and research, where I can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, whether it’s addressing climate change through renewable energy, improving healthcare accessibility, or creating tools that bridge the digital divide for low-income communities. I also plan to stay active in leadership, using my experience to mentor other students and advocate for increased diversity in STEM fields. STEM is not just a career choice for me, it’s a platform for change. I’ve seen firsthand how inequality in access to education and technology affects communities like mine. With the education and experience I’ll gain in college, I want to be part of the solution, helping to design and implement technologies that make life better for underserved populations. Whether it’s through developing smart city infrastructure for safer neighborhoods or using data science to inform better policies, I’m determined to use STEM as a tool for social justice and change. With college, I’m not just pursuing my own dream, I’m paving the way for others to follow as well. College is my gateway to making a meaningful impact in the lives of people who need it the most, and I’m ready to fully embrace this journey.
Gladys Ruth Legacy “Service“ Memorial Scholarship
I’ve always felt different from many of my peers, but in a way that empowers me rather than holds me back. Growing up in a minority community in Washington, D.C., I learned early on that the path to success wasn’t paved with ease, but with perseverance, grit, and authenticity. I’m proud of where I come from, and I’ve come to realize that being unapologetically myself is one of my greatest strengths. My journey is unique, and it’s shaped by the experiences and values that my family and community have instilled in me. What makes me different is my resilience, my passion for helping others, and my deep commitment to staying true to myself. Being a first-generation college student, I face the pressure of balancing high expectations with the uncertainty of navigating an unfamiliar educational path. I didn’t have examples or people that I could use as resources to ask questions about college. There have been times when I felt out of place, but I’ve learned to embrace that feeling of difference. It’s my background, my experiences, and my individuality that set me apart, and I use that to make an impact on others, whether they realize it or not. One of the ways I leverage my uniqueness is through my involvement in community. Over the past five years, I’ve participated in food, clothing and holiday toy drives, and programs for feeding the homeless. Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand the importance of being a role model, even when you don’t know who’s watching. For example, during a holiday drive, I noticed a young boy observing the assembly line of volunteers working together to organize and distribute toys. He didn’t say much, but I could tell by the look on his face that he was soaking in everything happening around him. It made me realize that we don’t always know the extent of our impact, but by being authentic and giving back to community, we can inspire others just by being ourselves. I also leverage my uniqueness through sports. As the basketball team captain, I stood out, not just for my skills on the court, but my leadership style. I didn’t try to lead like everyone else. I embraced my natural instincts of empathy, listening, and leading by example. I motivated my teammates by showing them that being a leader isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real, owning your strengths and weaknesses, and always striving to be better. I knew younger athletes were watching, and I wanted them to see that leadership comes in many forms, and being true to yourself is what really matters. Even now, as I pursue a degree in sports medicine, I use my background and individuality to encourage others to pursue their goals. I’m often asked by younger students in my community about college and balancing academics with personal life. I tell them it’s okay to feel different, and in fact, it’s something they should embrace. I remind them that their uniqueness is their superpower; that it’s what allows them to stand out, to inspire others, and to make a difference. In every aspect of my life, I’ve learned that being unapologetically myself is how I make an impact. Whether it’s through community service, leadership, or just living authentically, I know that someone is always watching. By embracing who I am and leveraging my unique strengths, I hope to continue inspiring others, even when I don’t realize it. This, to me, is the legacy of being unapologetically myself, using my authenticity to uplift and serve others, just like Gladys Ruth envisioned.
Kennard C. Brown Memorial Scholarship
Winner
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I’ve faced many challenges, but one that has defined my journey the most is the environment I come from. My neighborhood, like many others in the city, is often overshadowed by a high crime rate and limited resources. From an early age, I learned how important it is to have a strong support system and a vision for something bigger than what’s immediately around you. The challenge of rising above the limitations of my environment has shaped who I am and has pushed me to pursue both education and community involvement with a passion. One of the toughest obstacles I’ve had to overcome is navigating a world where opportunities are often scarce. I’ve watched friends fall into difficult circumstances because they lacked the support or resources needed to stay on the right track. For me, basketball was my escape, and education became my ticket to a brighter future. But staying focused on my goals wasn’t always easy. There were moments when the weight of my circumstances felt too heavy, when it seemed like the odds were stacked against me. However, I used those moments as motivation to push harder, to focus on what I could control; my education, my work ethic, and my commitment to giving back. My involvement in the community has been key to my growth as a person. I’ve been a part of numerous community service projects, including feeding the homeless, organizing clothing and toy drives, and volunteering at the shelter. I’ve seen firsthand how small actions can have a big impact, and it has fueled my desire to continue serving others. One of the most meaningful experiences was organizing a holiday toy drive for kids in my neighborhood. Many of these children come from difficult circumstances, and providing them with even a little joy during the holiday season was incredibly rewarding. It made me realize that giving back not only helps others, but it shows people that their community cares and that there’s hope for a better future. Attending an HBCU is a pivotal step in my journey to create lasting change in my community. As a sports medicine major, I plan to use my degree not only to achieve personal success but to uplift the people around me. I’m passionate about helping young athletes reach their full potential, especially those in underrepresented communities. My goal is to work with athletes from my neighborhood and beyond, providing them with the care, rehabilitation, and injury prevention techniques they need to stay healthy and succeed in their sports. By doing this, I hope to break the cycle of limited access to quality healthcare that often affects minority communities. Education is key to building generational wealth, something Kennard C. Brown believed in. Like him, I want to use my education to create pathways for future generations. I envision a future where young African American men from my community see college and careers in sports medicine as achievable goals, not distant dreams. I believe that by equipping others with the knowledge and tools they need, we can collectively uplift our communities and build a better future for everyone. Overcoming the challenges of my environment has taught me the importance of perseverance and giving back. My commitment to community service, along with the education I’m receiving at my HBCU, will allow me to drive meaningful change. I am determined to build a legacy of service, education, and opportunity, just as Kennard C. Brown envisioned for the future generations he cared so deeply about.
Team USA Fan Scholarship
When it comes to Team USA, one athlete that stands out to me above the rest is LeBron James. Although many people think of him primarily as an NBA superstar, I’ve always been inspired by his contributions to Team USA and what he represents both on and off the court. LeBron’s journey, his work ethic, and his dedication to excellence have motivated me as a fan and as a student-athlete. LeBron’s impact on Team USA is undeniable. He played a crucial role in bringing gold medals home during the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, and a bronze medal in 2004, showcasing not only his individual talent but also his ability to unite with other players for a common goal. What I admire most about him isn’t just his legendary basketball skills but his humility and team-first mentality. In a sport where individual stats can often overshadow teamwork, LeBron consistently puts the success of the team first. Watching him play for Team USA was like watching a masterclass in how to lead and how to contribute in ways that go beyond just scoring points. What truly sets LeBron apart for me is his perseverance and his ability to overcome adversity. Growing up in Akron, Ohio, he faced significant challenges, including poverty and a lack of stability. Yet, instead of letting those circumstances hold him back, he used them as fuel to work harder, push farther, and strive for greatness. That mindset is something I try to apply to my own life. Coming from a community like mine, where opportunities can sometimes feel limited, LeBron’s story reminds me that no matter where you come from, hard work and dedication can open doors. Beyond his contributions to basketball, LeBron James is an athlete who uses his platform for good. His commitment to education and community service is something I deeply admire. The “I PROMISE” school he founded in Akron is a testament to his belief in giving back and lifting others up. He’s shown that success isn’t just about what you achieve for yourself but what you can do to help others along the way. As someone who values community service and has been involved in feeding the homeless and organizing clothing and toy drives, LeBron’s example inspires me to continue finding ways to give back. LeBron’s leadership on Team USA and his willingness to use his voice for positive change have influenced how I think about my own future. As I pursue my dream of becoming a sports medicine therapist, I see LeBron as a model of someone who uses their platform to make a difference, not just in their sport but in society. His determination to be excellent in every aspect of his life, from basketball to business to philanthropy, motivates me to strive for that same level of excellence in my own pursuits. LeBron James is more than just an exceptional athlete. His achievements with Team USA, his perseverance through adversity, and his commitment to giving back make him a role model to me and countless others. Watching him dominate on the international stage has been a source of pride, and his leadership both on and off the court continues to inspire me to aim higher, work harder, and find ways to make an impact in my community.
Kim Moon Bae Underrepresented Students Scholarship
Growing up as a Black student in Washington, D.C., I’ve always been aware of the weight my identity carries in both subtle and overt ways. Being a minority isn’t just about being different; it’s about navigating a world where the odds seem to be stacked against you in ways that are both visible and invisible. From a young age, I’ve experienced what it’s like to be looked at differently, to have people make assumptions about who I am based on my appearance rather than my abilities, and to push through challenges that others might not even realize exist. In my community, the crime rate is high, and opportunities can often feel limited. But this backdrop has taught me resilience. It’s shown me that while my environment presents its own set of challenges, it also shapes me into someone who knows how to adapt, persevere, and overcome. I’ve seen friends struggle to stay on the right path, some of whom weren’t given the same support I had. This has been a constant reminder that where you come from can influence the opportunities available to you, but it doesn’t have to define where you end up. Being a Black student has also impacted how I approach school and leadership. In high school, I was captain of the basketball team, and that role required me to lead by example. I wasn’t just a player, I was a mentor, a motivator, and a role model for my teammates, many of whom came from similar backgrounds. It was important to me to show them that despite the obstacles we faced, whether in our neighborhood or within the walls of our school, success was possible. I wanted to be proof that hard work and determination could take you far, no matter your background. The road to higher education has not been easy. Financial barriers have been a constant consideration, as they are for many minority students. College isn’t cheap, and the cost is often an obstacle that makes you question if it’s worth the fight. But my family’s support, combined with the desire to succeed, has kept me going. I know that education is the key to breaking cycles and creating opportunities, not just for myself but for others who look like me. In the future, I know my identity will continue to shape my journey, but I see it as a source of strength. As a minority, I’ve learned to be resourceful and resilient, traits that will serve me well in my career. I plan to enter the field of sports medicine, a profession where Black individuals are underrepresented. But instead of seeing this as a disadvantage, I see it as an opportunity. I want to bring my unique perspective to the field, to show that excellence comes in all shades, and to help athletes, many of whom come from minority communities, to recover and thrive. I also plan to give back to my community. I’ve heard the saying, “you can’t be what you can’t see,” and I want to be the example that shows young Black boys and girls that they can succeed in fields where they might not see many faces like theirs. My identity as a minority has shaped me in more ways than I can count, but it has never held me back. Instead, it’s been the fuel pushing me forward, reminding me that I am part of something bigger. I’m not just working for my future, I’m working for the futures of those who will come after me.
Henry Bynum, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
"Beyond the Sirens"---- Growing up in Washington, D.C., I experienced the harsh realities of living amongst violence. Sounds of sirens, shootings, and fear of danger are a part of my everyday life. It’s a tough environment that shaped my character in ways I couldn’t imagine, also testing my resilience; specifically, when I was in middle school, my close friend was caught in the crossfire of a gang incident and was severely injured. That left me scared for my safety and those around me. It was a wake up call that made me realize how important it was to find a way out of the cycle of violence. To overcome this adversity, I focused on education, became involved in the community and looked for mentors. I’m the eldest child of a single-parent household and although my dad tries the best he can to support us financially, I knew that education was my ticket to a better future; for both myself and my family. With this, I know that financial burdens can be lifted. I dedicated myself to school, staying up late to finish homework and study. I participated in basketball; that provided a safe environment and academic support with study hall. I participated in community activities, such as D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement where we promoted focused approaches to disrupt violence and promote peace. Through this, I participated in community clean-ups, peace rallies, and mentored youth, (younger than myself of course). Involvement gave me purpose and helped build a network of like minded peers who supported each other in staying away from the violence. I found mentors in my teachers, coaches, and other elders in my neighborhood and surrounding community, who were respectful and weren’t afraid to give constructive criticism to us young folks. It’s because of them I can see possibilities beyond my immediate environment and aspire to aim higher. Facing adversity taught me determination. As my dad always says, “We can’t control our circumstances, but we can control our response”. It instilled in me a sense of commitment to giving back. Many kids were going through similar struggles as I did at their ages, and I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem. So in turn, overcoming adversity helped me to develop a strong work ethic. I understood that nothing would be handed to me and I had to work hard for opportunities. This mindset stayed with me and continues to drive me. In the future, I want to give back to my community by becoming a sports medicine therapist, combining my love for basketball and helping others. My goal is to provide a safe haven for youth through sports, offering them an alternative to the streets. I envision heading a community center where young athletes can train, receive medical care, and find mentors who genuinely care about their well being and futures. I plan to establish programs that focus on physical health and mental resilience, teaching skills like teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. I hope to inspire kids to dream beyond their circumstances, just like I did and am currently still doing!; showing them that they have the power to positively change their path and impact their own lives and their community. Growing up I’ve been tested in my belief of myself, my self worth and my determination to succeed, but by changing my focus, I overcame those same challenges and shaped a better future for myself by being accepted to college! Overcoming adversity has made me stronger and more committed to making a positive impact!
LeBron James Fan Scholarship
When I was ten, my dad took me to my first NBA game. The Washington Wizards were playing the Cleveland Cavaliers, and although I was in my very early beginning stages of learning about basketball at the time, there was one name that echoed through the arena, one name that everyone seemed to be chanting: LeBron James. I remember watching him on the court, like a lion among men. His presence was magnetic, his movements effortless, and the way he commanded the game was nothing short of majestic. That night, as I watched LeBron soar through the air for a dunk that shook the arena, I knew then who my hero was. But my admiration for LeBron isn’t just about his athleticism, although that alone is legendary. It’s about what he represents, both on and off the court. To me, LeBron is more than just a basketball player, he’s a symbol of perseverance, intelligence, and heart. One of the things I admire most about LeBron is his resilience. His journey from a kid in Akron, Ohio, to the global icon he is today wasn’t easy. Growing up, he faced challenges that would have broken many, yet he never let his circumstances define him. Instead, he used them as fuel, pushing himself to become not only a better player but a better person. LeBron’s work ethic is legendary. Stories of his relentless training sessions, his commitment to perfecting his craft, and his desire to improve year after year, even when he was already the best, are what inspire me every day. In a world where people tend to rest at their peak, LeBron reminds me that true greatness is about never settling and always striving for more. Then there’s his intelligence. LeBron isn’t just a physical marvel, he’s a basketball genius. His basketball IQ, his court vision, his ability to read the game, to anticipate plays before they happen, is like watching a chess grandmaster in sneakers. I’ve lost count of the number of times he’s made a play that left me shaking my head in disbelief, wondering how anyone could see the game that way. But perhaps the most important reason I’m a LeBron James superfan is because of what he stands for off the court. LeBron has used his platform to speak out on social justice issues, to uplift his community, and to create opportunities for others. His I PROMISE School in Akron is a testament to his commitment to giving back and making a difference. LeBron isn’t just focused on his legacy in basketball; he’s focused on leaving a legacy that will impact the world. Now, do I think LeBron James is the greatest player of all time? Absolutely. I know this debate will rage on, with arguments for other legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but for me, LeBron’s combination of skill, intelligence, and impact, both in and out of the game, sets him apart. He’s more than a player, he’s a movement. LeBron James taught me that greatness isn’t just about what you achieve, but how you achieve it, and the difference you make along the way. That’s why I’ll always be a fan, not just of LeBron the player, but of LeBron the person, the King whose reign extends far beyond the hardwood.
Adrin Ohaekwe Memorial Scholarship
My career goal is to become a sports medicine therapist, a role that blends my love for sports with my desire to help others overcome challenges. As I reflect on the journey ahead, I can’t help but notice how playing chess has prepared me for this path in ways I never expected. Chess is a game that demands both strategy and adaptability. When I sit down at the board, I’m not just playing to win, I’m playing to understand my opponent, to anticipate their moves, and to adapt my strategy as the game unfolds. This mindset is directly relevant to sports medicine. In this field, every patient is like a chess game, being unique, unpredictable, and requiring a personalized approach. Just as I analyze my opponent’s moves, I’ll need to analyze an athlete’s injury, understand the nuances, and develop a treatment plan that will consider both the immediate and long-term outcomes. In chess, there’s a delicate balance between offense and defense. Push too hard, and you might expose yourself to a counterattack; play too cautiously, and you might miss an opportunity. This balance is equal in sports medicine as well. As a therapist, I’ll need to know when to push an athlete to train harder and when to pull back to prevent further injury. It’s about finding that sweet spot where progress is made without compromising health, a skill I’ve mastered over countless chess games. One of the most important lessons chess has taught me is patience. There are moments in the game when progress seems slow, where the best move isn’t immediately obvious. In these times, it’s easy to get frustrated, but I’ve learned that patience leads to the best outcomes. In sports medicine, patience will be key. There is rarely a straight line to recovery and there will be setbacks. But just as I’ve learned to wait for the right moment to strike in chess, I’ll need to trust the process of healing and encourage my patients to do the same. Chess has also instilled in me the importance of preparation. Before a match, I may study my opponent’s previous games, look for patterns, and prepare for different scenarios. This preparation is key in sports medicine as well. I’ll need to stay updated on the latest research, understand different treatment methods, and be ready to handle any situation that arises. The discipline I’ve developed through chess will help me stay on top of my game in the constantly evolving field of sports medicine. Chess has shown me that success isn’t just about winning, it’s about learning. Every game, whether I win or lose, teaches me something new. This mindset will be invaluable in my career. Not every treatment plan will work perfectly the first time, but each experience will be a chance to learn, grow, and become a better therapist. As I pursue my goal, I’m grateful for the lessons chess has taught me. The game has sharpened my mind, strengthened my determination, and given me the tools I need to navigate the challenges that will lie ahead. In many ways, the path to my future is like a chessboard, and I’m ready to make my next move.
John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship
In a world where athletes are celebrated for their strength, speed and skill, there is a realm of unseen heroes who mend the broken and strained, and ensure champions continue to perform their best. This is the world I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to, as a sports medicine therapist. The spark that ignited my passion for sports medicine began during my sophomore year of high school during the biggest football game of the year. Tensions were high as the scoreboard was tied with only minutes left on the clock. Then, it happened..our star player, Tim, made a sudden dash for the ball, only to collapse mid-stride, clutching his knee in agony. The game halted, and all eyes turned to the sideline. In those few moments of uncertainty, I witnessed something remarkable. The team’s sports therapist rushed onto the field with a calmness that put everyone at ease. She assessed Tim’s injury and her hands moved with gentleness and expertise. As she stabilized his leg and signaled for a stretcher, I saw the gratitude in Tim’s eyes. It was then that I realized the impact a sports medicine therapist could have, not just on an athlete’s career, but their spirit as well. From that day forward, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue. The idea of being able to help restore and empower athletes captivated me. I started shadowing Ms. P, learning about the complexities of injuries, rehabilitation techniques, and the importance of mental resilience. She guided me through the intricacies of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that make up the human body. My fascination grew deeper into the science behind sports medicine. I discovered the human body to be an incredible machine capable of some astonishing things, but also susceptible to delicate imbalances. Understanding and finding ways to restore it became my interest. It wasn’t just the science that drew me in. It was the opportunity to be a part of an athlete’s journey and celebrate their victories and support them through their setbacks. I want to be a presence that athletes can rely on and help them rise after every fall. The idea of contributing to their success and playing a vital role in their stories, fills me with a sense of purpose. As I stand on the brink of my journey, I am filled with excitement and anticipation. The road ahead will undoubtedly be challenging, but I am ready to embrace it with the same passion that ignited my dream. My goal is to blend the art of healing with the science of performance to ensure that athletes can push their limits while staying safe and healthy. I see a future where I am not just a healer, but a partner in the pursuit of greatness. Everytime I think back to that day of sophomore year, I am reminded of the moment that set me on this journey, when I saw firsthand the difference a sports medicine therapist can make.
ESOF Academic Scholarship
Winner
What are your educational and professional goals? As I begin my journey at Winston-Salem State University, I have a clear vision of my professional goal of becoming a Sports Medicine Therapist. I am also confident in my educational goals and where I see myself in the next five years. Here’s a glimpse into my future and how I plan to get there: Year one at WSSU, I will lay the foundation. I will immerse myself in the core subjects of health sciences and actively engage in lectures, lab exercises, and group projects. By participating in class discussions and seeking mentorship from faculty, I will build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. I will also join relevant student organizations to connect with peers who share my passion for sports medicine. Year two, I will focus on gaining practical experience through internships and clinical placements. I aim to secure a position with a local sports team or healthcare facility, where I can observe and assist experienced professionals. Hands-on experience will be crucial in developing my skills in injury assessment, treatment planning, and rehabilitation techniques. I will also take advantage of the resources at the Rams Fitness Center to practice and refine these skills. Year three, I will engage in research and innovation by participating in research projects that explore innovative approaches to sports medicine. I am particularly interested in studying the effects of different physical therapy interventions on athletic performance and recovery. Collaborating with faculty and peers, I will contribute to research that advances our understanding of effective treatment strategies. I foresee presenting my findings at conferences and publishing in academic journals to help establish my reputation as a knowledgeable and forward-thinking professional. I am speaking it into existence! This is my goal after all. Year four, I will focus on developing leadership skills and exploring areas of specialization within sports medicine. I will take on leadership roles within student organizations and participate in community service projects, honing my ability to inspire and lead. I will explore specialized areas such as pediatric sports medicine or orthopedic rehabilitation, trying to identify the specific area where I can make the most significant impact. I’m excited to explore it all and anticipate graduating from undergraduate studies within year four. Year five, post-graduation, I will be well-prepared to transition into professional practice upon graduating from WSSU. My goal is to work with a reputable sports medicine clinic or join the medical staff of a sports team. By obtaining further certifications, such as becoming a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), I will enhance my credentials and expand my opportunities. In this role, I will apply the knowledge and skills gained at WSSU to help athletes achieve their best, whether they are recovering from injuries or striving to improve their performance. Achieving my goals requires a strategic approach beginning with academic excellence, therefore maintaining a high GPA will be a priority. It is essential for pursuing advanced certifications and graduate studies. Being that personal and professional development is an integral part of my plan, I will remain committed to taking advantage of all that WSSU has to offer me in becoming a well-educated and well-rounded student. Winston-Salem State University is an esteemed institution and offers the perfect environment for me to achieve my goals as a sports medicine therapist. The university’s strong academic programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to community engagement provide a solid foundation for my professional journey. By excelling academically, gaining practical experience, engaging in research, and developing personally and professionally, I am confident that I will be well-prepared to make significant contributions to the field of sports medicine. In the next five years, I see myself as a successful sports medicine therapist, recognized for my expertise and dedication to enhancing the well-being and performance of athletes. My journey at WSSU is just the beginning, and I am excited to embark on this path to achieving my dreams. Also, please describe your commitment to civic or public service. In my community of Washington, D.C. violence is an issue demanding action. I recognize the need for solutions to address it and create a safer environment for everyone who lives here. As my dad says, “It’s hard for a kid to be a kid having to worry about the same things adults do”; growing up fast to protect themselves in doing simple tasks, such as walking to the store or school. There is a need for awareness and education surrounding violence prevention. Some young people, like my peers and younger, may not understand the impact of violence or even know how to recognize warning signs. Programs in communities that teach conflict resolution, promoting the understanding of someone other than just yourself, and raising awareness about the consequences of violent actions is important. My community also needs access to support services for victims, such as counseling and shelters where people can find safety and receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. I am committed to public service and contributing to these efforts in several ways. I will advocate for prevention systems in schools, to work with administration to ensure that students receive violence prevention examples through education and support. Students at my own school have been victims of violence, so I plan to return on college breaks to connect with teachers and students to share my positive college experiences, with the thought that this will give students something to look forward to for themselves in creating their own paths. I will look for organizations that provide assistance to victims and volunteer my time, through activities such as fundraising and outreach or just service in general. By participating and lending my voice and helping hand, I hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by violence and help contribute to building a safer and more compassionate community for everyone.
Maxwell Tuan Nguyen Memorial Scholarship
Sports medicine has always interested me due to its unique blend of healthcare and athletics. My aspiration to pursue a career in this field is driven by my passion for helping others and a love for sports. Through this career choice, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, and promoting the importance of physical activity. The primary role of a sports medicine professional is to ensure the health and well-being of athletes. By becoming a sports medicine physician or therapist, I will have the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Athletes, from amateurs to professionals, rely on sports medicine to help them recover from injuries and return to their peak performance. By providing effective treatment and personalized rehabilitation programs, I can help athletes regain their confidence and strength. I believe this support is crucial. Not only for physical recovery, but also for their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most important aspects of sports medicine is the emphasis on injury prevention. Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about proper training techniques, nutrition, and safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. As a sports medicine professional, I plan to conduct workshops and seminars to spread awareness about the importance of injury prevention. By working with schools, sports teams, and community organizations, I can implement programs that teach proper warm-up exercises, stretching routines,safe workout techniques, and the importance of using appropriate protective gear. I believe that this approach can help create a safer environment for athletes, regardless of age. Promoting physical activity is more important than ever, being that so many people are sedentary. There are so many quick-fix delivery options, curbside pick-ups and more. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As a sports medicine expert, I will advocate for an active lifestyle and encourage people to participate in sports and physical activities. By working with schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities, I can develop programs that make physical activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Doing this can help lead others to a healthier and more active lifestyle, which ultimately reduces health issues and hospitalization. Sports should be an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter age, gender, or ability. In my future career, I will also aim to promote inclusivity in sports by supporting sports programs for individuals with disabilities. By providing specialized training, I can help these athletes achieve their goals and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Inclusivity also means advocating for equal opportunities in sports for women and underrepresented groups of people. So by championing diversity and inclusivity, I can contribute to a more supportive sports community. In conclusion, pursuing a career in sports medicine offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. By focusing on improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, promoting physical activity, diversity and inclusivity in sports, I can contribute to a healthier, more active, and equal society. This career path not only allows me to combine my passion for healthcare and sports, but also allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of other people. I am super excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive changes I can bring to the world through sports medicine.
Ojeda Multi-County Youth Scholarship
The inner city of Washington, D.C. is more than just the nation’s capital, it’s a symphony of sounds, a canvas of vibrant street art, and a melting pot of dreams and struggles. Growing up here with historical landmarks and busy streets has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. The challenges I faced have been as numerous as the murals that decorate our neighborhoods, but each one has taught me the spirit of bouncing back, creativity, and the love of community. From a young age, the rhythm of the city was my soundtrack. The constant hum of traffic, the chatter of street vendors, and the echo of political protests were as familiar to me as the voices of my friends. Our neighborhood is rich in history and culture, and it was here that I learned the importance of community, where neighbors looked out for each other and everyone had a story to tell. However, life in the inner city wasn’t without challenges. Our schools were underfunded, and resources were scarce. The playgrounds were more asphalt than grass riddled with drug paraphernalia and the threat of violence loomed over us at almost every turn. But it was also a place of hope and dreams, where kids believed they could be the next big thing. Getting a quality public education was a struggle, but my dad was a single parent and couldn’t afford a private one. Schools were overcrowded and teachers were stretched thin, but regardless of that, I was determined to succeed. I spent a lot of time at the library because it was a quiet place away from the neighborhood. I connected with teachers that saw potential in me and started playing basketball from a young age, which kept me very occupied. I managed to excel academically, earning a spot in an advanced placement program. This achievement was proof of my hard work and the company I kept. My friends and I studied together, helping each other out and sharing whatever materials we had. We knew that our success was intertwined, and we pushed each other to be better. Another significant challenge was the temptation of the streets. Opportunities in D.C. were limited and many of my peers were influenced into dangerous paths of robbery and drugs. The idea of quick money and the need to belong made gangs and crime a constant presence. I had to make a conscious decision to stay on the right path. Basketball became my sanctuary, a way to channel my energy and frustrations into something positive. The court was a place where I could escape the chaos and focus on my dreams. With the guidance of my coach, who became a father figure to me, I learned discipline, teamwork, and the importance of setting goals. Growing up in D.C., I was also surrounded by art. The murals that wrap our buildings told stories of struggle and hope. Go-Go City by Kaliq Crosby is my favorite. Go-Go is my favorite genre of music and it’s a reminder that D.C. is a community of history and a promising future. I enjoyed painting in school and found peace and freedom of expression in doing so. Art became a way to process my experiences and share stories. It felt good. Despite the challenges, the strength of our community was a constant source of inspiration. Neighbors organized block parties and youth events and we celebrated our heritage and supported each other through tough times. This sense of belonging and mutual support was a lifeline, reminding me that I was never alone in my struggles. Growing up in the inner city of Washington, D.C., has been more of a discovery to me. The challenges I faced taught me the importance of the value of education, and as I look to the future, I carry with me the lessons learned and belief that no matter where you come from, you have the power to shape your destiny. The city has given me strength, and I’m determined to give back and be a source of hope for the next generation growing up in the heartbeat of our nation.
West Family Scholarship
In the heart of the inner city of D.C., where concrete courts echo with dreams, basketball is more than just a game, it’s a lifeline. As the captain of the varsity basketball team, I’ve witnessed how the sport can unite and divide, and highlight differences and common ground. One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced is racial equality, especially when playing against predominantly white suburban teams. Our time on the court has brought attention to racial equality, and we’re striving to bridge the gap. Basketball is a universal language spoken fluently in both the inner city and suburbs. However, where I’m from, the dynamics on the court reflect the bigger divisions of society. Our team, composed of all African-American players, often faces teams from affluent suburbs, predominantly white, and seemingly worlds apart from our own experiences. The contrast is obvious, but the basketball court serves as a level playing field where talent and teamwork are the ultimate judges. From the tip-off, it’s clear the game is more than just about winning or losing. It’s an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions. Our team’s speed and agility always surprise our opponents, who might’ve underestimated us based on our appearances and backgrounds of being from the inner city, and not the “good part”. But their precision and strategic playing teach us to appreciate different styles and approaches to the game. These encounters go beyond the physicality of basketball. There are moments of silent communication through body language, where mutual respect is earned through grit and sportsmanship. Each game becomes a testament to the fact that, despite our differences, we can come together because we all love the sport! Off the court, our interactions with these teams have opened up avenues for understanding. Post-game handshakes and casual conversations have grown into discussions about our different lives. I believe that it’s these moments of connection where seeds of racial equality are sown. I initiated an informal group chat, pairing players from our team with suburban teams. At first, I received some pushback from my teammates, a lot of side-eyes, but with some convincing, now we exchange texts with healthy trash talking, and we’ve even visited each other’s neighborhoods, and I see that as breaking down barriers and forming friendships. Playing pick-up games in each other’s courts allows us to see beyond the stereotypes and understand the person behind the jersey. This experience has been eye-opening for everyone involved, dissolving misconceptions. I’ve learned that addressing racial equality requires more than just conversations. It requires action. The court has taught me that respect is earned through effort, and understanding comes from genuine interaction. I’ve seen how our differences can become strengths when we work together, and how the courage to step out of our comfort zones can lead to meaningful change. Looking forward, I hope to expand this initiative into a more massive platform, creating more opportunities for diverse groups to come together through sports and other common interests. I want to advocate for programs that bring inner-city and suburban youth together, using basketball as a catalyst for broader social change, since the sport is oftentimes the bridge that connects people of different backgrounds. I foresee a future where the lessons learned on the court translate into a society that values and practices equality. As we dribble, pass, and shoot, we’re not just playing basketball, we’re challenging the status quo and paving the way for a future of equality, especially among young people. The court is our canvas, and with every game, we paint a brighter and more inclusive picture for all!
Norman C. Nelson IV Memorial Scholarship
Sports medicine has always interested me due to its unique blend of healthcare and athletics. My aspiration to pursue a career in this field is driven by my passion for helping others and a love for sports. Through this career choice, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, and promoting the importance of physical activity. The primary role of a sports medicine professional is to ensure the health and well-being of athletes. By becoming a sports medicine physician or therapist, I will have the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Athletes, from amateurs to professionals, rely on sports medicine to help them recover from injuries and return to their peak performance. By providing effective treatment and personalized rehabilitation programs, I can help athletes regain their confidence and strength. I believe this support is crucial. Not only for physical recovery, but also for their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most important aspects of sports medicine is the emphasis on injury prevention. Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about proper training techniques, nutrition, and safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. As a sports medicine professional, I plan to conduct workshops and seminars to spread awareness about the importance of injury prevention. By working with schools, sports teams, and community organizations, I can implement programs that teach proper warm-up exercises, stretching routines, safe workout techniques, and the importance of using appropriate protective gear. I believe that this approach can help create a safer environment for athletes, regardless of age. Promoting physical activity is more important than ever, being that so many people are sedentary. There are so many quick-fix delivery options, curbside pick-ups and more. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As a sports medicine expert, I will advocate for an active lifestyle and encourage people to participate in sports and physical activities. By working with schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities, I can develop programs that make physical activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Doing this can help lead others to a healthier and more active lifestyle, which ultimately reduces health issues and hospitalization. Sports should be an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter age, gender, or ability. In my future career, I will also aim to promote inclusivity in sports by supporting sports programs for individuals with disabilities. By providing specialized training, I can help these athletes achieve their goals and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Inclusivity also means advocating for equal opportunities in sports for women and underrepresented groups of people. So by championing diversity and inclusivity, I can contribute to a more supportive sports community. In conclusion, pursuing a career in sports medicine offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. By focusing on improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, promoting physical activity, diversity and inclusivity in sports, I can contribute to a healthier, more active, and equal society. This career path not only allows me to combine my passion for healthcare and sports, but also allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of other people. I am super excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive changes I can bring to the world through sports medicine.
WCEJ Thornton Foundation Low-Income Scholarship
A Court of Dreams Under the bright lights of our high school gym, where the echo of bouncing basketballs and the piercing yet rhythmic squeak of sneakers on polished floors paint a picture of endless possibility, I experienced my greatest achievement to date. Becoming the captain of our varsity basketball team in combination with being selected for the citywide all-star team was more than just a personal victory, it was a testament to hard work, leadership, and the power of dreams coming true! This journey defined my high school years and taught me invaluable lessons about myself. From the moment I first dribbled a basketball in elementary school, I was captivated by the game. Basketball became my passion, my escape, and my drive. By the time I entered high school, I set my sights on making the varsity team. I trained relentlessly, practicing every day after school, studying plays, and honing my skills. My sophomore year, I earned a spot on the summer team, and by junior year, I was named captain! Becoming captain was not just about being the best player, it was about earning the trust and respect of my teammates and coaches. I learned to lead by example, pushing myself to the limit in every practice and game. I also had to become a communicator, bridging the gap between the coach’s strategies and the players’ execution. Balancing encouragement with constructive criticism, I fostered a team spirit that emphasized unity and resilience. The pinnacle of my basketball journey came when I was selected for the citywide all-star team. This recognition was a dream come true, validating the countless hours of dedication and sacrifice of missing out on events and hanging out with friends. Competing alongside the best players from other schools was exhilarating and intimidating, but it pushed me to elevate my game further, proving to myself that I belonged on that court. The all-star experience taught me the importance of humility and continuous growth. No matter how good you are, there is always room for improvement, and there are always others who can teach you something new. Playing with and against top-tier athletes, I learned to appreciate different playing styles and strategies, broadening my understanding of the game. This journey taught me more than just how to play basketball, it taught me about perseverance, leadership, and believing in myself. Being captain meant shouldering responsibility, especially during tough times. There were moments of doubt, games we lost despite our best efforts, and times when team dynamics were challenging. However, these obstacles only strengthened my resolve. I learned that true leadership is not about always having the answers but about being willing to face challenges head-on and inspire others to do the same. The experience taught me about the value of teamwork. Basketball is not a solo sport, it requires coordination, trust, and mutual support. Leading my team to victories and through losses, I learned the importance of building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community. These lessons extend beyond the court and into every aspect of life, reminding me that we achieve more together than we ever could alone. Looking ahead, the lessons and skills I gained from this experience fuel my aspirations. My goal is to pursue a career in sports medicine, where I can combine my love for sports with a desire to help others. I want to support athletes in achieving their best performance and recovering from injuries, just as my coaches and trainers supported me. The discipline and leadership I developed as captain will serve me well in the sports medicine field, which I wish to pursue. Additionally, I hope to continue playing basketball at the collegiate level, where I can further hone my skills and perhaps even take on leadership roles once more. Whether on the court or in my professional life, I aim to embody the same spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and dedication that defined my high school years.
CEW IV Foundation Scholarship Program
Imagine standing in front of a locked door, knowing that behind it lies a world of opportunities. Now imagine that the key to this door is social justice. For me, the issues that mean the most are like the master keys. Those would be racial equality, gender equality, and access to education. These are not just concepts, but real issues that affect the lives of people around me, including my friends and family. Picture this, my friend, Larell, is an awesome athlete, but every time she and the volleyball team step onto the court at an opposing school that has majority white students, they face stares, slurs and discriminatory comments whispered. It’s not just hurtful, but in reality it’s unjust. Racial equality is important because it’s about recognizing that we are all human regardless of skin color. It’s about ensuring that Larell and others like her, can play and live without worrying about prejudice. Getting involved means standing up against racism whenever we see it, supporting movements like Black Lives Matter, and educating ourselves about the history and prejudice experiences of different racial groups (not just black either!) It’s about creating a world where everyone can unlock their potential without being discriminated against. Next, think about my cousin Travis, who dreams of owning his own black-owned construction company. He is brilliant, but faces constant challenges because he is transgender. Now couple that with being black. That would be double the challenge. Gender equality matters because everyone deserves to pursue their dreams without being held back by outdated stereotypes and biases. Travis prefers to be called Tyra, but I find that some people just refuse to respect others’ wishes and so that makes life difficult. Supporting gender equality means respecting people’s preferences, advocating for policies that protect the rights of all genders, challenging sexist jokes, and making safe spaces for everyone. It’s about breaking down the barriers that hold Tyra back so he can unlock his future as a black-owned business owner. Then there’s my little sister, Kennedy, who loves science and dreams of becoming a pilot or an astronaut. But the school she attends doesn’t have the resources to help nurture her passion. She attends public school, just as I did, and there is always an issue of available funding and budget cuts to specialized programs. Access to education is another issue because education is the ultimate bridge. It’s the foundation that allows dreams to take flight (pun intended! :-)) Equality in education means fighting for better funding for public schools, supporting programs that provide resources to underprivileged students, and mentoring younger students like Kennedy, who simply don’t have easy access to the better things in life. It’s about making sure that every child has a key to unlock their future. Why is it important to get involved? Because without involvement, there is no action, and these issues that I speak about continue to just be locked doors. We hold those keys to change in our hands. By getting involved, we are helping others and we are also shaping the world we want to live in. When we stand up for racial equality, gender equality, and access to education, we are building a society where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Involvement can be as simple as joining a school club that focuses on social justice, contributing to community service projects, or just speaking openly about all of the challenges that people just like me face everyday. Every action, no matter how small it is, is a step towards unlocking a door for a better and successful future.
Simon Strong Scholarship
Growing up in Washington, D.C., I experienced the harsh realities of living amongst violence. Sound of sirens, news of shootings, and fear of danger are a part of my everyday life. It’s a tough environment that tested my resilience and shaped my character in ways I couldn’t imagine. The most significant challenge started when I was in middle school. A friend was caught in the crossfire of a gang incident and was severely injured. That left me scared for my safety and those around me. It was a wake-up call that made me realize how important it was to find a way out of the cycle of violence. To overcome this adversity, I focused on education, became involved in the community and looked for mentors. I knew that education was my ticket to a better future. I dedicated myself to school, staying up late to finish homework or study. I participated in basketball that provided a safe environment and academic support with study hall. I participated in community activities, such as D.C. Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement where we promoted focused approaches to disrupt violence and promote peace. Through this, I participated in community clean-ups, peace rallies, and mentored youth. Involvement gave me purpose and helped build a network of like-minded peers who supported each other in staying away from violence. I found mentors in my teachers, coaches, and elders who were respectful and weren’t afraid to give constructive criticism to us young folks. It’s because of them I can see possibilities beyond my immediate environment and aspire to aim higher. Adversity taught me determination. While we cannot control our circumstances, we can control our response. It instilled in me a sense of commitment to giving back. Many kids were going through similar struggles as I did at their ages, and I wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem. Facing adversity helped me to develop a strong work ethic. I understood that nothing would be handed to me and I had to work hard for opportunities. This mindset stayed with me and continues to drive me. For anyone facing similar circumstances, my advice is to: remain positive, keep your head up, not down. If you’re looking down, it’s impossible to see where you’re going, so stay focused on your path. Focus on education. Knowledge is a tool to the most sought out places, but you must LEARN how to get there! Education opens doors and provides opportunities that seem out of reach. Get involved in community and seek mentors. Community can provide belonging and purpose for you that hanging with the wrong crowd cannot. Associating with negativity will leave you lost looking for purpose that you can find in those that genuinely care about your well being. Positive associations help counteract the negative influences around you. Positive mentors offer guidance and inspiration, showing that there are paths to success outside of violence and crime. Lastly, never lose hope. It’s easy to feel defeated, but you have the power to change your future. Surround yourself with support, stay focused on goals, and push forward, no matter how difficult. Growing up I’ve been tested belief in myself, my self worth and my determination to succeed, but by changing my focus, I overcame those same challenges and shaped a better future for myself by being accepted to college! Adversity has made me stronger and more committed to making a positive impact. To anyone facing similar circumstances, remember that you have the strength to overcome, and there are always people and resources available to help on your journey.
Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship
Growing up in a community filled with violence in Washington, D.C., has profoundly impacted my experience with mental health. Life has presented challenges in the midst of me trying to become my best self and move forward to higher places. Where I live and go to school is not the best environment to be in. The city is plagued with violence, due to drugs, robberies, murder, carjacking, the list goes on. This makes it difficult for one to focus on achievement when you are surrounded by much negativity. I have been affected by it from many angles. Some months ago, my schoolmate was gunned down and killed, robbed of his shoes on his way to work after school. Most recently, another schoolmate was gunned down and killed in a crossfire walking home from school, and a classmate was grazed by a stray bullet through our classroom window while we were in school. School is the one place where you’d think you're safe, only to see that too isn’t so. The thought of what my schoolmates could have been and to know that also could have been me, has distracted me from focus many times and if I stay in that mental space for too long, can also bring about a cloud of depression. That is alot for a person to handle. I work hard every day to change that for myself by staying positive in order to overcome it. This requires me to be intentional in my well being and focus on self care, engaging in meaningful activities to maintain resiliency and hope for my community. I believe that small daily actions can collectively make a significant difference in how you cope with and perceive the world around you. This experience has shaped my goals, relationships, and understanding of the world. Navigating the challenges of living in an environment such as this has taught me the spirit of intentionally bouncing back, the importance of mental health, and the need to strive for a better future for myself and others that I love and that surround me. My goals have been shaped by my mental health journey as well. Witnessing the effects of violence and trauma on myself and my peers has fueled my ambition to pursue a career that can make a positive impact. I have seen how mental health issues can hold people back, and in addition to my career goal of Sports Medicine, I want to be able to advocate and help counsel others to help navigate their own mental health struggles. Afterall, I have been there before. Many of us have and continue to be. My own experiences have given me perspective and a sense of purpose for it. I am determined to break the stigma surrounding mental health of it being a topic that should not be discussed and provide support to those who need it. Living in a violent neighborhood has also had a profound impact on my relationships. Trust and safety are important to any relationship, but they are even more important in a community where violence is prevalent. My experiences have taught me to value genuine connections with people who offer emotional support and understanding. I have learned to seek out friends and mentors who encourage me to grow and provide positive influences. These relationships have been vital in helping me cope with the stress and trauma associated with my environment. My journey with mental health has made me more understanding of others’ struggles, allowing me to build deeper and more meaningful connections. My understanding of the world has been influenced by this also. I have been exposed to the harsh realities that many people face on a day to day basis, such as the systemic issues that contribute to violence and mental health struggles in communities like mine, from safety to access to health services or where a person’s next meal will come from. It has taught me the importance of the power of hope and that despite the challenges and obstacles, it is possible to overcome adversity and make a positive difference. Being a teenager in Washington, D.C., has presented numerous challenges, but it has also taught me valuable lessons. I have seen how violence and trauma can affect young people, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Seeing this has made me aware of the importance of mental health support and the need for accessible resources for those people who are struggling. My mental health journey is ongoing, but I am committed to using my experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to advocate for a safer and more supportive environment for future generations.
Jerzee Foundation Scholarship
I am a Senior at Dunbar High School in our nation’s capital of Washington, D.C., and I will proudly be attending an HBCU - Winston-Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC!! I am hoping to obtain a scholarship to achieve my goal of earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management with a minor in Sports Medicine, as well as aiming for a Master's degree. My goal to pursue a career in this field is driven by my passion for helping others and a love for sports. I have had the privilege of serving as the captain of my high school varsity basketball team. My leadership on the court taught me the value of not only perseverance and dedication, but teamwork and helping others out, whether it was a time of need or to help a fellow teammate improve. Through this career choice, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, and promoting the importance of physical activity. The primary role of a sports medicine professional is to ensure the health and well-being of athletes. By becoming a sports medicine physician or therapist, I will have the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Athletes, from amateurs to professionals, rely on sports medicine to help them recover from injuries and return to their peak performance. By providing effective treatment and personalized rehabilitation programs, I can help athletes regain their confidence and strength. I believe this support is crucial. Not only for physical recovery, but also for their mental and emotional well-being. Financial assistance will help me to have the best possible chance to achieve my professional aspirations in having a successful career. Even though I am working a minimum-wage part-time job after school and on weekends to minimize my financial dependency on my father for everyday life essentials, finances for college are still challenging. I am trying my best to save on my own for day-to-day college expenses, books and supplies, however, I still find myself in need of significantly more for the cost of attendance, My father is a single parent and his ability to provide me with financial assistance for four years is extremely limited. Still, after many years, my father is currently re-paying his college student loans, as well as many other financial obligations. Therefore, another loan for my education would put our family deeper into debt resulting in an extraordinary financial strain on my father who is already trying his best to keep our heads above water in today's inflated economy. To be able to attend and graduate college debt-free is important for my financial independence and stability, and I am confident that I can achieve this goal by remaining consistent in my scholarship application process. Accomplishing this will set a strong foundation for my future, allowing me to pursue my dreams without the weight of financial burdens. Despite financial challenges, my education continues to be a priority and the Jerzee Foundation Scholarship would have a significant impact on me being able to pursue my dreams. I sincerely appreciate your consideration and any support that will make it possible for me to attend college.
Tanya C. Harper Memorial SAR Scholarship
Sports medicine has always interested me due to its unique blend of healthcare and athletics. My aspiration to pursue a career in this field is driven by my passion for helping others and a love for sports. Through this career choice, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, and promoting the importance of physical activity. The primary role of a sports medicine professional is to ensure the health and well-being of athletes. By becoming a sports medicine physician or therapist, I will have the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Athletes, from amateurs to professionals, rely on sports medicine to help them recover from injuries and return to their peak performance. By providing effective treatment and personalized rehabilitation programs, I can help athletes regain their confidence and strength. I believe this support is crucial. Not only for physical recovery, but also for their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most important aspects of sports medicine is the emphasis on injury prevention. Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about proper training techniques, nutrition, and safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. As a sports medicine professional, I plan to conduct workshops and seminars to spread awareness about the importance of injury prevention. By working with schools, sports teams, and community organizations, I can implement programs that teach proper warm-up exercises, stretching routines, safe workout techniques, and the importance of using appropriate protective gear. I believe that this approach can help create a safer environment for athletes, regardless of age. Promoting physical activity is more important than ever, being that so many people are sedentary. There are so many quick-fix delivery options, curbside pick-ups and more. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As a sports medicine expert, I will advocate for an active lifestyle and encourage people to participate in sports and physical activities. By working with schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities, I can develop programs that make physical activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Doing this can help lead others to a healthier and more active lifestyle, which ultimately reduces health issues and hospitalization. Sports should be an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter age, gender, or ability. In my future career, I will also aim to promote inclusivity in sports by supporting sports programs for individuals with disabilities. By providing specialized training, I can help these athletes achieve their goals and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Inclusivity also means advocating for equal opportunities in sports for women and underrepresented groups of people. So by championing diversity and inclusivity, I can contribute to a more supportive sports community. In conclusion, pursuing a career in sports medicine offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. By focusing on improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, promoting physical activity, diversity and inclusivity in sports, I can contribute to a healthier, more active, and equal society. This career path not only allows me to combine my passion for healthcare and sports, but also allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of other people. I am super excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive changes I can bring to the world through sports medicine.
Our Destiny Our Future Scholarship
Sports medicine has always interested me due to its unique blend of healthcare and athletics. My aspiration to pursue a career in this field is driven by my passion for helping others and a love for sports. Through this career choice, I plan to make a positive impact on the world by improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, and promoting the importance of physical activity. The primary role of a sports medicine professional is to ensure the health and well-being of athletes. By becoming a sports medicine physician or therapist, I will have the opportunity to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate sports-related injuries. Athletes, from amateurs to professionals, rely on sports medicine to help them recover from injuries and return to their peak performance. By providing effective treatment and personalized rehabilitation programs, I can help athletes regain their confidence and strength. I believe this support is crucial. Not only for physical recovery, but also for their mental and emotional well-being. One of the most important aspects of sports medicine is the emphasis on injury prevention. Educating athletes, coaches, and parents about proper training techniques, nutrition, and safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of injuries. As a sports medicine professional, I plan to conduct workshops and seminars to spread awareness about the importance of injury prevention. By working with schools, sports teams, and community organizations, I can implement programs that teach proper warm-up exercises, stretching routines,safe workout techniques, and the importance of using appropriate protective gear. I believe that this approach can help create a safer environment for athletes, regardless of age. Promoting physical activity is more important than ever, being that so many people are sedentary. There are so many quick-fix delivery options, curbside pick-ups and more. Regular exercise is vital for maintaining overall health and preventing chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As a sports medicine expert, I will advocate for an active lifestyle and encourage people to participate in sports and physical activities. By working with schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities, I can develop programs that make physical activity accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Doing this can help lead others to a healthier and more active lifestyle, which ultimately reduces health issues and hospitalization. Sports should be an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone, no matter age, gender, or ability. In my future career, I will also aim to promote inclusivity in sports by supporting sports programs for individuals with disabilities. By providing specialized training, I can help these athletes achieve their goals and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Inclusivity also means advocating for equal opportunities in sports for women and underrepresented groups of people. So by championing diversity and inclusivity, I can contribute to a more supportive sports community. In conclusion, pursuing a career in sports medicine offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the world. By focusing on improving athletes’ health, advocating for injury prevention, promoting physical activity, diversity and inclusivity in sports, I can contribute to a healthier, more active, and equal society. This career path not only allows me to combine my passion for healthcare and sports, but also allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of other people. I am super excited to embark on this journey and look forward to the positive changes I can bring to the world through sports medicine.
D'Mitric Starke, Jr Student Profile | Bold.org