Letter from the Founder

“Thank you so much for visiting our website and learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Scholarship.

In my 40 year career as a high school teacher and coach, I was fortunate to have worked with many wonderful kids. During that time, I observed first hand that many African American students and athletes did not have the same financial resources as others to continue their education. 

Since retiring, I have learned about a variety of issues that affect our world, and one that continues to move my heart is income inequality. Although it affects many races and cultures, our history of slavery has made income inequality more stark within the African American community. Laws instituted after the civil war also prevented African Americans from having the same opportunities to succeed and acquire wealth. 

This history still affects us. In 2023, the first year we awarded the scholarship, the average wealth in the United States was approximately nine times higher for a white person than an African American person. Income inequality is a complex problem, but I believe equal opportunities through education are the best way to address the issue. 

The scholarship we created is a cooperative arrangement between the Marion County School System and the College of Central Florida. Candidates are chosen by their school based on character, citizenship, work ethic and financial need. We hope this arrangement will provide exceptional candidates who will succeed and make a difference for their families and our community. 

We thank you for learning about our scholarship and hope that you will consider becoming a part of our scholarship family.”

— Mark A Mader, Founder

Why the name?

The term “Truth and Reconciliation” has become synonymous across the globe with efforts made to heal the deep disparities created by social injustice. 

The first notable usage of the term was in 1995, when the new South African government established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) after Apartheid was dismantled. The goal was to heal and reconcile the country’s people by sharing the truth about human rights violations that had occurred in South Africa during Apartheid. The first leader of the Truth and Reconciliation commission in South Africa was Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

In 2007, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was formed to facilitate reconciliation for former students, their families and the communities affected by over 50 years of the Indian residence school system. This system was created to isolate indigenous children from their own native culture and assimilate them into the dominant Canadian culture, damaging generations of Canada’s indigenous people.

In the United States, we continue to feel the long term effects of our own history of social injustice on African Americans. By naming it the Truth and Reconciliation Scholarship, we hope to follow the courageous lead of those around the world who are working to bring about healing and change in their communities.

Let’s support future students together

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.