Charlotte, N.C. / March 2, 2020 - Johnson C. Smith University’s School of Social Work is accepting donations for the Dorothy I. Height Scholarship Fund, aimed at furthering the well-being of students continuing the legacy of the iconic social worker.
Height, called “the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement” by former President Barack Obama, set the standard by being an example of impact towards marginalized communities of color through direct services and policy changes at local, state and federal levels.
“Her work was all about advocacy and creating social justice,” said Dr. Melvin Herring, MSW Program Director.
The scholarship, which will awarded to students who meet the requirements in Fall 2020, is developed as a gap fund to provide assistance for tuition, housing or other items students may need to further their education.
Herring emphasized, “Our students come from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds where they have real life responsibilities that can sometimes hinder them from being able to matriculate successfully through their problems.”
Herring hopes the scholarship helps alleviate financial struggles some students may be facing.
In August, six students will be the first to receive up to $2,000 in aid from the Dorothy I. Height Scholarship Fund. In order to sustain funding for the scholarship, the School of Social Work is committed to hosting at least one fundraiser per academic school year and request support from alumni throughout the year.
Students who want to apply for the scholarship must have a minimum 3.0, be a current MSW or BSW student and submit evidence of social work completed in the community.
“It could be an narrative essay that speaks to the work that you've done or even a portfolio,” Herring explained.
People looking to support the scholarship fund can visit www.jcsu.edu/giving/give_now and follow the steps below.
Click on the “Give Online Now!” button in the top right corner of the page. You will be directed to “Give to JCSU Online Today” page. Click on an amount from the list or “donate other amount”; then click on the “Donate Now” button on the lower right of page. From the “Select Gift Designation” dropdown, click on “Other Funds”; in the “Please Specify Other Fund” box, type in “Dr. Dorothy I. Height Scholarship” and then click on the “Continue” button at the bottom of page. Enter your card information on the next page and click “Continue” until your transaction is complete.
