Scholarships

Detroit Chapter 9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc.

Detroit Chapter #9 of Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. (VVA9) has been a beacon for Vietnam veterans in the Detroit Metropolitan area. While focused on Vietnam veterans and their needs, the Chapter also supports and advocates on issues important to all veterans and continually looks for ways to contribute to the local community. Organizers for Chapter 9 trace the group’s history to 1971 and Wayne State University, where many veterans were attending school under the GI Bill. They have four scholarships available, which are listed below.

1. Outstanding Junior ROTC (Two Scholarships)

High School Junior ROTC programs are important, in part, for the discipline and leadership skills that are taught to all cadets. Two scholarships for $2,500 each will be awarded to cadets who have demonstrated discipline and leadership.

2. Unsung Graduate (Two Scholarships)

Many of VVA9’s members would not have qualified for a college scholarship based upon their academic performance in high school. Yet, following their discharge from active duty, these same members became successful in their careers. Recognizing Unsung Graduates, who have confronted their own challenges, assistance for post-secondary education is provided. Two scholarships for $2,500 each will be awarded.

George Newman Memorial

The George Newman Memorial Scholarship awards two (2)- $1,000 scholarships to 1 male and 1 female DPSCD senior varsity athlete matriculating into higher education. Mr. Newman was a DPSCD physical education teacher, coach, and long-time Athletic Director of Southeastern High School. He ran the PSL Swim and Tennis Championships, and officiated countless sporting contests across the district, even after his retirement. This family-established award celebrates Mr. Newman’s legacy of professionalism, extreme expertise in his field, stewardship, and love for the student athletes of DPSCD.

Willie McAllister, Jr.

The Willie McAllister, Jr. Fine Arts and Education Scholarship awards four (4)- $2,500 scholarships to DPSCD seniors who aspire to enter a career in Fines Arts. This scholarship, endowed by ABC Student Transportation, honors now retired Mr. McAllister’s 40+ year tenure and Fine Arts contributions to the District.

Samuel and Margaret Crawford

The Samuel & Margaret Crawford Scholarship Fund rewards $1, 500 to students who have exhibited academic promise, tenacity, and self-efficacy. Samuel K. Crawford, Sr., and Margaret Crawford, both proud graduates of Detroit Public Schools, are advocates of higher education and achievement amongst young people, particularly those who have overcome challenging circumstances. During her life, Margaret Crawford founded The Council for Black Student Achievement, a non-profit organization that offered tutoring services and scholarships for students who were struggling academically and in need of extra support, advocacy, and assistance with college expenses.

Roy and Maureen Roberts

The Roy and Maureen Roberts Scholarship awards one Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) graduating senior, with an overall minimum 3.0 GPA, a $1,500 scholarship, who has been accepted to an accredited 4-year higher educational institution. The student must be enrolled at the college or university full-time to receive the funds. The scholarship is potentially renewable a maximum of 4-additional years, once the DPS Foundation verifies the student is in good academic standing. The Roy and Maureen Roberts scholarship may be used towards tuition, fees, books and housing.

Accelerate4KIDS®

The Accelerate4KIDS® Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality computer science and STEM education in underserved communities and making these programs accessible and inclusive for all. Accelerate4KIDS® is offering $1,750 in scholarships to graduating seniors. $1,000 to a senior attending a 4-year institution, $500- to a senior attending a Community College, and $250- to a senior attending Trade School.

US Ecology

US Ecology, an environmental services organization, is offering four (4) non-renewable scholarships totaling $5,000 each as a commitment to furthering opportunities in STEM. The scholarships will be awarded to 2- female and 2-male graduating seniors who plan to pursue a science major, full-time, at a four-year Michigan Institution.

SIM Detroit

In our increasingly digital workplace, the need for STEM educated professionals is greater than ever. To support this need, the Community Outreach Committee of the Society for Information Management (SIM)- Detroit Chapter will award five (5)- $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who will study in a STEM-related field at a Michigan based four-year institution, or two-year community college.

Marching Band

The inaugural Marching Band Scholarship will offer a non-renewable award that recognizes the outstanding achievement of a DPSCD high school student who has actively participated in the All-City Marching Band Ensemble. The award may be used toward education-related expenses at an accredited college/university or trade school, including tuition, books, housing, meal plans, or technology essentials.

Pernick Prize Award

The annual Pernick Prizes (3) in Mathematics, Medicine, and Public Service each offer a non-renewable $15,000 award that recognizes the outstanding achievement of a DPSCD high school student in the indicated field. The prize may be used to further the recipients’ educational pursuits and/or work in their respective field.