BLADEN COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – A Bladen County nonprofit awards scholarships to high school graduates.
Project Uplift was created three years ago by Jerome Purdie, a former English teacher. Purdie is a native of Bladen County and shares how and why he started the nonprofit to help.
“We provide scholarships for students in Bladen County from underserved areas to help them go to school,” says Purdie. “I understand the burden of going to school and Mom and Dad sending you money for school this week, but Mom and Dad have to take care of the home as well.”
Kiara Lewis, who graduated from West Bladen High School and also grew up in the area, was a recipient of a scholarship. Lewis wants to become a physician’s assistant, so she chose to attend UNC Chapel Hill.
That’s why she applied for the scholarship last year.
“It felt like my hard work kind of paid off because I put a lot into the application,” says Lewis. “To be able to be selected for that was encouraging, and to know that I had support from the beginning for college it was good.”
She encourages others to apply for any scholarship opportunities they may come across.
“Apply for the scholarship and apply for any scholarship, because the money can help in the long run,” says Lewis.
You can apply for the scholarship here.
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