2019 Scholarship Program
The Beverly L. Smith Empowerment Initiative (the Initiative) is expanding the impact of college scholarships to young women of color! We have qualified applicants from Auburn, NY; Harlem, NY; Syracuse, NY; Dutchess County, NY; NYC Communities in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Staten Island and Washington Heights.
As you can imagine – or maybe you know – even when tuition is free, the college experience not. Our awardees’ families have shared with us that the scholarships do more than help to alleviate the financial burden of college…they realize behind each check there is a community of people who believe in their daughters’ dream and are supportive of their futures.
20 APPLICANTS = $20,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS AND WE ARE 50% THERE!
Wilma Rudolph said that the potential for greatness lies within each of us. Do you believe that? I do.
This year, we have received 20 qualified scholarship applications and are half way to being fully funded to grant each applicant a $1,000 scholarship for the 2019/2020 school year.
Our deadline of July 2019 is only 30 days away and with YOUR help we can meet the goal of not turning any of these amazing young women away. Will you help us?
WHAT IS THE INITIATIVE?
It was in 2016 that the Beverly L. Smith Empowerment Initiative ("the Initiative") granted its first 4 college scholarships and created its first 5 mentorships to help ignite the fire of potential in 9 young women of color.
Since then, the Initiative has granted over $35,000 in college scholarships and mentored dozens of young women of color from communities throughout the eastern United States.
What started out as a way for me to honor my mom, the late Pastor Beverly L. Smith, by granting scholarships to young women from the Harlem community as they entered their first year of college has grown into a Non-Profit 501c3 organization that:
· Mentors, equips, encourages a generation of young female leaders who are determined to achieve their goals
· Grants up to $1,000 in scholarships to qualified applicants for each of the years they attend an accredited college or trade school
· Stewards mentorships
· Creates/connects internships and summer job opportunities
· Provides support and information to parents/care takers who for the first time are navigating the landscape of having a “child” in college
This is what supporting dreams and building futures is about. This is the work of the Initiative.
Will you join us in TAKING THE INITITIAVE to help these young women as they pursue their dreams of a college education? You can help give them a shot at unleashing the greatness that lies in each of them.
We are now and forever grateful for every level of support, every share and every post.
With gratitude,
Melody Smith Johnson, Founder/CEO
Russell M. Rillie, Chairman-Board of Directors
Beverly L. Smith Empowerment Initiative is a 501 c-3 nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible as allowed by law; please consult your accountant or attorney.
