The common goal of improving the lives of children in urban communities has drawn MARTIN’S Food Markets and Urban Views Weekly together to create the Scholar of the Week program. Since 2012, the Scholar of the Week program has encouraged students to excel academically and build a life that includes civic and community service. The overarching goal is to help them be more competitive when they apply for scholarships and admission to schools after high school.
Competition for scholarships and admission to schools of higher education is intense. Good grade point averages (GPA’s) and community service can make a difference as students compete for scholarships and acceptance.
The American Council on Education reports that all education received after high school increases the chances that the individual will earn good pay. Also, the more education received, the greater chance that individual will get a job.
Whether it’s a university, junior college, or vocational school, post secondary education provides important benefits to the individual and to society.
In the Scholar of the Week program there are 52 scholars each year, one per week. Each scholar receives a $100.00 award to be used as they see fit. They also receive recognition in Urban Views Weekly – a half page in the paper as well as a post on our website devoted to his or her story, including a photo and an article highlighting his or her accomplishments. In June, there is a random drawing from all of the previous year’s scholars, with one scholar receiving an Apple iPad.
To be eligible for the Scholar of the Week award the applicant must be a senior attending a public school in Central Virginia. They must also have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be a participant in community service activities.
A selection committee consists of members from Richmond Public Schools, Petersburg Public Schools, Virginia State University, MARTIN’S Food Market and Urban Views Weekly. This committee is responsible for reviewing and selecting the scholars.
3 comments
Hey! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a
collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us valuable information to work on.
You have done a marvellous job!
Thank you.
I read your article featuring Daniesha Bowles. I was very impressed with the article and the video. As an Urban educator I am often times faced with the defeat of many youngsters. I am also the Coordinator of an Early College program at my high school, which offer students as early as the 9th grade an opportunity to take college courses and graduate with credits. It is so difficulty to get students, and parents to see the financial freedom that this program can offer. Its is even more challenging for students to believe that they do no deserve better. They abort the challenge before the really get started. I will share her story with my students in our summer college program, and continue to follow throughout the academic year. Thanks for reminding others that it is possible.
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