Originally published on The HOPE Blog
Designed to empower college students facing financial hardships with scholarships, particularly those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), The H.O.P.E. Scholarship is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Michelle Janaye and Jeffrey Chance, two Howard University alumni committed to serving their communities. Their belief: No student should be denied access to a quality education simply because they lack the necessary funds. Household incomes cannot continue to dictate academic outcomes. Their mission: To make quality education affordable to deserving students. Now in its fifth year, H.O.P.E. is continuing efforts to raise money to reward deserving students with scholarships through the assistance of students, alumni of the black college community, frequent fundraisers, and corporate sponsorships.
In celebration H.O.P.E.’s fifth anniversary, The H.O.P.E. Scholarship highlights five areas where they are making inroads.
Mobilizing Millennial Philanthropists: Philanthropy is a word that is often used to describe multi-millionaire donors who give to charitable causes, but The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative is an organization rooted in the belief that anyone willing to share their time, money or their talent with masses for a worthy cause can make a significant philanthropic impact. We believe that anyone can make a difference. You don’t have to be a genius or a millionaire to make a positive contribution to society. Hard work, determination and a passion for service can turn any dream into a reality.
Empowering Students: Every year, The H.O.P.E. Scholarship takes its message of helping others on the road. This year, we hosted our 3rd Annual Hope Tour at Dillard University. While there, we equipped students with necessary life skills via our dynamic “Life After Graduation” panel discussion, driven by the perspectives of young college alums. H.O.P.E also awarded a $250 book scholarship to a deserving student and made a $250 donation to the institution. Past HOPE Tour destinations include: Howard University in Washington, D.C.; Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., Bowie State University in Bowie, Md. and Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas.
HBCU Advocacy: Not only does The H.O.P.E. Scholarship as an organization support HBCUs financially, we’ve also created infrastructure so that you can too! Click here and donate to the HBCU of your choice. HBCU pride doesn’t pay HBCU bills. Give!
Highlighting #HopeDealers: The H.O.P.E. Scholarship makes it a point to highlight people who are doing amazing things in their communities. Last year, Dr. Crystal deGregory, executive director of HBCUstory, was named HOPE Dealer of the Year.
Scholarships: HOPE better have that money or, at least, that’s what college students say. Since its inception, The H.O.P.E. Scholarship has awarded 12 scholarships to students attending historically black institutions and other elite universities.
The H.O.P.E. Scholarship Initiative, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization designed to empower students facing financial hardships with scholarships. Follow HOPE on twitter @hopescholarship.
