Scholarship Application

The eligibility requirements outlined by Dr. Gerald and Gwen Dawkins:

• Must be a Grand Rapids, Michigan Resident
• Must be a 2024 High School Graduate
• Must be enroll in college August or September of 2024
• Must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher over seven semesters
• Must be African American
• Must be a student of Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Must possess good writing skills proven by submitting a typed, one page, double-spaced, 12 point font essay answering the question Should African American history be taught in schools?
• Must be pursuing a college or university degree or vocational education from an accredited college (scholarship can be used outside the state of Michigan).
• Applicant must be of good character, with two letters of recommendation from members of the community (teacher, counselor, religious leader, etc.).

Scholarship applications will be accepted beginning January 9, 2024. The deadline for your completed packet is March 1, 2024 at 4:00 PM. The committee will review all timely applications received and select the scholarship winner. Scholarship winner will be notified by April 19, 2024. While reviewing applications, please note that the Scholarship Committee considers the following when making selections:

• Cumulative Grade Point Average (over seven semesters)
• Communication Skills/Grammar
• Extra-Curricular Activities
• Community Service

The amount of the scholarship is $1,000.00 and can be used for any of the following:

• Tuition
• Books
• Fees
• Room and Board

Please either complete the online form below OR mail or email your completed packet, containing the following:

• Application
• Original official high school transcript with school seal and counselor\registrar signature
• A copy of your collegiate acceptance letter
• Essay and two letters of recommendation

Must be mailed or emailed to:

Dr. Gerald & Gwen Dawkins First Chance Scholarship
P.O. Box 8222 Grand Rapids, MI 49518