The Urban League of Greater Madison Young Professionals are now accepting applications for their annual scholarship program, aimed at helping students of color from Dane County pursue higher education.
The program, now in its second year will award four or five scholarships ranging from $200 to $1,000 depending on fundraising outcomes. The scholarships are intended to support students who may face financial hardships as they work toward a degree or certification.
“Our goal with this scholarship is to create more opportunities for students of color to attend college or technical school,” said Shonda Lewis, vice president of the Urban League of Greater Madison. “We want to help relieve some of the financial burden for students who are committed to continuing their education.”
Applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 24, live in Dane County, and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must be currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, technical college, or trade school. The application includes a short essay on leadership experience, community service involvement, academic and career goals, and how the scholarship will help achieve those goals. Applicants must also submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, academic adviser, or mentor.
One of the scholarships is sponsored annually by Aaron Perry, through the Albert and Maddie Perry Scholarship, but Lewis noted that additional sponsors and donors are also crucial to the program’s success. Those interested in supporting the scholarship fund can reach out to Lewis at [email protected].
Applications are open now at this link. Scholarship recipients will be notified in late May, ahead of a scholarship luncheon set for June 7, where winners will be recognized.
Tickets for the luncheon will be available soon, priced at $20 per person.
“We really just want to make sure every student has a chance,” Lewis said. “Higher education should be accessible for everyone, and this is one small way we can help make that happen.”
