Joyner’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the scholarship that will cover all the expenses of one student planning to attend a Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in the fall of 2010.
The first full-ride winner, Britney Wilson, of Brooklyn, NY, is a sophomore at Howard University in Washington, DC, and Blaine Robertson, of Reserve, LA, won last year, also attends Howard.
“Being the recipient of the Tom Joyner Scholarship is also a source of motivation for me because I believe that the best expression of gratitude is to make full use of the gift that one has been given,” said Wilson, who recently won the Alain Locke Award for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average. She’s already planning to go to law school. “The Tom Joyner Foundation has given me one of the single most important gifts of my life by securing the first steps toward my future, so the best way that I can say thank you is to work hard to make sure that it is the best future that I can possibly create for myself.”
Blaine Robertson, who is planning to become a math teacher, wasted no time diving into Howard University’s activities, and is a member of the marching band. “My Full Ride Scholarship alleviates so many pressures for not only myself, but my mother as well,” said Robertson, who was a leader on his high school band at the suburban New Orleans school. “I am sure that the stress of paying for college is by far the heaviest issue that some students face, because there are times when the grades that one makes do not matter if he or she cannot afford to be in school in the first place. Fortunately, I am one of the few that don’t have to deal with this problem … because I am able to put all of my focus into doing my best in school.
Students will receive full tuition and stipends for up to 10 semesters to cover room and board (on-campus only) and books up. Students must meet the required academic standards each semester to renew the funds each year. Graduating high school seniors can apply for the scholarship by going to BlackAmericaWeb.com (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=promo/14223). To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
1) A United States Citizen
2) Current high school seniors attending school in the United States (applicant must be anticipating completion of high school degree in the spring of 2010).
3) Minimum high school grade point average of 3.50 (on a 4.00 grade scale, excluding home school studies) and Minimum SAT score of 1300 – combined math and verbal score/ or ACT score of 28.
4) Applicants must have applied and accepted to an HBCU by July 1, 2010.
5) Applicants must have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities.
The applications must be postmarked no later than January 23rd, 2010. The winner will be announced on April 2, 2010. Please submit any questions to fullridescholar@blackamericaweb.