My involvement in my local church has played a significant and foundational role in shaping my commitment to service and leadership within my community. Growing up, the church was more than just a place of worship—it was a hub for connection, support, and action. It was in this environment that I learned early on that true leadership means serving others with empathy, humility, and dedication. These values have guided not only my personal development but also the way I engage with my community today. Through my church, I have had numerous opportunities to participate in community outreach and service programs. One of the most impactful experiences has been mentoring youth in the church’s after-school programs. Working with younger students, many of whom face challenges similar to those I experienced growing up, has taught me patience and the importance of positive role models. I have seen firsthand how encouragement and guidance can help young people believe in themselves and work toward their goals. This mentoring has also strengthened my communication and leadership skills, which I carry with me into other areas of my life, including my academic mentorship roles. The church has also been a place where I learned the value of teamwork and organizing for a cause greater than myself. I have helped coordinate food drives, clothing donations, and holiday outreach events that support families facing economic hardship in our community. These activities opened my eyes to the widespread needs in my neighborhood and reinforced the idea that service is an ongoing commitment. They also taught me practical skills like event planning, volunteer coordination, and community engagement—skills that I now use in various student organizations and service initiatives on campus. Beyond these hands-on experiences, the spiritual and moral teachings of my church have instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to give back. The principles of compassion, justice, and service are not just ideals to admire but callings to act upon. This mindset drives me to look beyond myself and to use whatever resources, time, and energy I have to make a positive impact. It encourages me to mentor others, advocate for equitable opportunities, and lead with integrity in every setting. My church involvement has also influenced how I approach leadership. Rather than seeking recognition or authority, I have learned to lead by example—putting the needs of others first and encouraging collective action. This approach aligns with the service-oriented leadership roles I hold at Virginia State University, where I mentor peers and participate in organizations focused on community upliftment. In summary, my local church has been a cornerstone of my development as a servant leader. It has provided me with experiences, values, and skills that continue to inspire and equip me to serve my community effectively. The lessons I’ve learned there about compassion, commitment, and collaboration shape the way I give back and guide my aspirations to create meaningful, lasting change in the world around me.

My name is Tyron De’Angelo Rice Jr., and I am a junior Business Management major at Virginia State University with a 3.8 GPA. As a student at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), I have been fortunate to develop not only academically but also personally and professionally through leadership roles and community engagement. My time at VSU has solidified my passion for business and mentorship, and I am committed to using my education to make a meaningful impact in my community. Financially, pursuing a college degree has been a challenge for me and my family. The rising costs of tuition, books, and other expenses place a significant strain on students like me who are working to balance academic success with financial responsibilities. Receiving this scholarship would alleviate some of the financial pressure, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and campus involvement without the constant worry of how I will cover expenses. It would provide me with the freedom to pursue internships, leadership opportunities, and professional development that will prepare me for a successful career. My career goal is to enter the real estate and business management field, focusing on sustainable development and community-centered projects. I want to create spaces that not only offer affordable housing but also serve as hubs for education on financial literacy and wealth-building, especially in underserved communities. By combining my business management knowledge with a commitment to sustainability, I aim to lead efforts that promote economic empowerment and environmental responsibility. I believe real estate can be a powerful vehicle for change, and I want to be a part of shaping that future. Beyond academics, I am dedicated to community service and leadership. I serve as a student mentor in the S.I. PASS program at VSU, where I help fellow students overcome academic challenges and develop the skills necessary to succeed in college. This role has enhanced my communication and leadership abilities while allowing me to make a positive difference in the lives of my peers. Additionally, I have experience as a Summer Camp Teen Specialist and Counselor, where I mentored young students, organized activities, and fostered a supportive environment for their growth. These experiences have taught me patience, adaptability, and the importance of uplifting others. I am also actively involved in several student organizations that support my professional and personal development, including the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA), the American Marketing Association (AMA), the Student Liaison Outreach Team (SLOT), and the T.R.U.E. Foundation Inc. These groups have expanded my leadership skills, provided valuable networking opportunities, and reinforced my commitment to service and excellence. In conclusion, this scholarship is vital to my ability to continue excelling academically and growing as a leader. It will ease the financial burden that many students at HBCUs face and enable me to take full advantage of the educational and leadership opportunities available. I am dedicated to using my education and experience to empower my community and build a successful career in business that creates real, positive change. Thank you for considering my application.

Sustainability must be a priority in real estate because the industry sits at the intersection of environmental, economic, and social impact. Real estate development influences everything from energy consumption and waste production to land use and community structure. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions. That statistic alone reveals how critical it is for real estate professionals to adopt sustainable practices—not just for the sake of the planet, but for the future of the industry and the communities it serves. As the world continues to urbanize, and climate change continues to challenge infrastructure and resource availability, the demand for green buildings and sustainable communities is growing rapidly. People are more conscious of their environmental footprints and are seeking homes and commercial spaces that are not only energy-efficient but also contribute to their long-term well-being. That demand creates both a responsibility and an opportunity for real estate professionals to lead the way toward positive environmental change. My goal is to be one of those leaders. With a foundation in Business Management and a passion for real estate, I want to contribute to a new generation of developers and property managers who prioritize sustainability in every stage of a project—from planning and design to construction and long-term maintenance. I don’t see sustainability as a trend; I see it as the future of real estate, and I intend to be at the forefront of that transformation. In my future career, I plan to focus on three key areas: green development, sustainable property management, and community education. First, in the area of green development, I want to work with architects, engineers, and environmental consultants to create properties that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and built using sustainable materials. This includes incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels, using recycled or locally sourced construction materials, installing smart energy systems, and designing layouts that maximize natural light and airflow. I also plan to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for future developments, as well as stay informed about evolving building codes and environmental regulations to ensure my projects meet the highest standards. Second, when it comes to property management, I want to make sure that sustainability doesn’t end at construction. Managing properties with an environmentally conscious mindset is just as important as how they’re built. This means implementing recycling programs, using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, monitoring water usage, and offering incentives for tenants who engage in eco-friendly practices. Finally, I want to play an active role in community education and outreach. As someone who is deeply passionate about mentorship and leadership, especially among underserved communities, I want to host workshops and informational sessions that educate homeowners, renters, and investors on how they can reduce their environmental impact. I also want to advocate for sustainable housing in low-income neighborhoods, where inefficient buildings often lead to higher utility bills and long-term maintenance issues. Everyone deserves access to clean, affordable, and sustainable living environments regardless of income or background. In conclusion, sustainability isn’t just an add-on in real estate it’s a necessity. As a future real estate professional, I plan to use my education in Business Management to lead with purpose, efficiency, and responsibility. I want to manage and develop properties that are not only profitable, but also environmentally sound and socially impactful. By committing to sustainability now, I believe we can build stronger, healthier communities for generations to come—and I’m ready to be part of that change.

In the business world, I want to use my degree in Business Management to become a leader who not only runs successful organizations but also creates opportunities for others. My goal is to eventually manage my own business or lead a company that prioritizes community impact just as much as financial success. I’m especially passionate about mentorship and development helping young people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, realize their potential and take control of their futures. Strong management isn’t just about profits and performance; it’s about people. I want to lead with purpose, integrity, and vision. Being Black means carrying the legacy of strength, resilience, and excellence. It means walking into every room knowing I belong, even when the world tells me otherwise. As a Black man, I see leadership not just as a position, but as a responsibility to inspire, uplift, and represent those who are often overlooked. I chose Virginia State University because I knew it would provide more than just an education I wanted an environment that would challenge me, support me, and surround me with peers and mentors who look like me and understand my journey. VSU is a place where Black excellence is the standard, not the exception. It has pushed me to grow not just academically, but personally and professionally. Being at VSU has shown me the power of representation and community, and I’m committed to carrying that forward into everything I do in the business world.