Together we heal and change our community.
Through the Truth and Reconciliation Scholarship, we hope to follow the courageous lead of those around the world who are working to heal deep disparities in their communities. The scholarship partners with the College of Central Florida to provide eligible African American students with financial assistance toward the first two years of their studies.
Will you join us in funding this mission?
The Truth and Reconciliation Endowed Scholarship
Everyone deserves the opportunity to receive a college education. Every year, The Truth and Reconciliation Endowed Scholarship awards two scholarships to eligible African American students from public schools in Marion County, Florida. Each scholar receives $500 a semester for a total of $2000 over two years. The number of scholarships will continue to grow with the endowment—allowing more and more students to be supported in achieving their college dreams.
2 Starting Scholarships
$500 Per Semester
4 Semesters
7+ Scholarships Goal
We’re proud of our scholarship recipients
Our inaugural class of scholars received their first awards in spring 2023. The funds have helped with essential college expenses like tuition, books, gas and food. We are so excited to cheer on our scholars, and for more scholarship recipients to be added in the future.
Endowed scholarships, a model for long-term impact
Rather than passing donations directly to awarded students, endowed scholarships aim for long-term sustainability. They rely on a larger baseline contribution that is invested. Interest earned is then distributed as scholarships. This method ensures that donors’ gifts will continue to fund many students long into the future.
The Truth and Reconciliation Scholarship’s initial baseline investment was funded by a generous donor. Our goal is, through community contributions, to grow the endowment and increase the number of scholarships awarded over time.
Similar to the United Way, Red Cross and March of Dimes, we hope to have a large number of small contributors join us in funding this mission.
“Growing up as a kid I always knew that I had to go to college, one way or another —no one in my family has ever been to college.”
Shaqwan Richardson
“Thank you so much for this scholarship…I am [studying] to become a pharmacist.”
Steven Antonio Johnson Jr.
“Your belief in me has inspired me to work diligently and strive for excellence in my academic pursuits.”
Major L. Norman III
Let’s support future students together
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Two $2000 scholarships awarded every year
The endowment was funded with an initial donation and began awarding two scholarships a year in 2023. Each scholarship provides $500 per semester for a total of $2,000 over two years. Public high schools in Marion County, FL each nominate a student and the College of Central Florida selects two recipients.
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A scholarship for each Marion County high school every year
As the endowment grows, scholarships will continue to be added until each of the seven public high schools in Marion County, FL has a scholarship to award every year. The result will be fourteen students on scholarship annually.
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Scholarship amounts grow to $5000
After funding a scholarship for each high school, this phase will increase the amount awarded to scholarship recipients. As the endowment grows, the amount awarded to students will continue to grow until each recipient receives $1,250 per semester for a total of $5,000 over two years.
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Additional scholarships added for more students
When each high school has a fully funded scholarship, additional scholarships will continue to be added as the endowment funds grow. Our hope is to help bring healing to some of the deep disparities that have marked our community and see more opportunity available for everyone.
Make a donation
A donation of any size helps. We are excited to have you become part of our scholarship family!
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