Scholarships for San Joaquin's Black Students

June 6, 2020 marked the annual National Higher Education Day, amid protests, riots, and a call-to-action for systemic change, ending police brutality, and uplifting Black voices. We need more than just voices, we also need Black community leaders, professionals, and role models. As an advocate for education and literacy, there are two barriers to higher education.

1) Academic under-preparedness

2) Financial need

Black students can be at a disproportionate disadvantage for higher education, because our school system perpetuates systemic racism. We all see various calls to action for donations, time, people/organizations to support on our social media. As Miss San Joaquin County, I've compiled a list of scholarships focused on uplifting black students in San Joaquin County. I'd encourage you to consider donating locally to these scholarships to help our students pursue their academic goals. If you are a high school student in San Joaquin County, this is also a helpful list for you to use to apply!

Esse Gilchrist Scholarship--An International Women of Color Foundation (Stockton Chapter)

Contact: (209)-403-2811

Open To: African-American students in SUSD, Lincoln Unified, St. Mary’s, or Lodi Unified School District.

Ben and Jamie Reddish Foundation

Contact: Benjamin Reddish, 5989 E. Fremont St., Stockton, CA 95215

209-931-2168 breddishjr@aol.com

Open To: Edison High School Afrcan-American graduates, pursuing a career in counseling or teaching with demonstrable financial need.

Black Employees Association of Stockton Unified School District (BEAUSD)

Contact: BEAUSD PO Box 4074, Manteca, CA 95337

www.beaused.org

Open To: Black graduating seniors from and San Joaquin County High School

Kathy A. Nixon Memorial Scholarship--Black Family Day

Contact: Black Family Day Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1078, Stockton CA 95201

Open To: Black graduates from any public high school in Stockton, Lodi, or Manteca.

Lavenna Moppins Gray Memorial Scholarship--Black Family Day

Contact: Black Family Day Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1078, Stockton CA 95201

Open To: Black graduates from any public high school in Stockton, Lodi, or Manteca.

Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. (Alpha Phi Chapter)

Contact: 209-471-0711 www.alphaphiofchietaphi.org

Open To: African American graduates from Stockton Unified, Lincoln Unified, Lodi Unified, and Stockton-area private schools, who are pursuing a nursing career as a registered nurse.

Stockton Alumnae Chapter Scholarship--Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Contact: Scholarship Committee--PO Box 4582, Stockton, CA, 95204

Open To: African-American graduates of any public or private accredited high school in San Joaquin County.

Mildred Chambers Memorial Scholarship--Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Contact: Scholarship Committee--PO Box 4582, Stockton, CA, 95204

Open To: African-American graduates of any public or private accredited high school in San Joaquin County.

Esquire Club, Inc. Scholarship

Contact: Ben Reddish 209-931-2168 PO Box 6582 Stockton, CA 95206

Open To: Black graduating seniors from accredited high school and charter schools in the Stockton area. Must demonstrate motivation to better themselves through higher education.

NAACP Scholarship sponsored by the Stockton Branch of the NAACP

Contact: http://www.stocktonnaacp.org/SCHOLARSHIP

Open To: African-American graduates of SUSD who have attended at least three Youth Meetings. Must demonstrate financial need.

Emily Pearl