Congresswoman Frederica Wilson awards thousands of dollars in college scholarships to South Florida students

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson awards thousands of dollars in college scholarships to South Florida students

L to r: Theresa Eugene, Carla Forges, Silvia Cius, accepting on behalf of Clauden Louis, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Jacques Wilson and Khaleelah Ladso

(Photo by Ed Haynes)

By Gwen Belton

     Although they had never laid eyes upon one another, six college students, who gathered in Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s District 24 Congressional office on Aug. 21, 2012, were on the same quest and had the same goal- continuing their education- but how?

     Some are the first in their families to ever attend college; some, come from single parent households; and some are the children of immigrants struggling to survive.

     “I see this time and time again, young men and women who want to go to college but can’t, because they can’t afford to do so, “says Congresswomen Wilson.

     But their fears and concerns were quickly put to rest. Congresswoman Wilson presented each student with a $1600 scholarships on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation of the Congressional Black Caucus which is made up of Black members of the United States Congress.

     Although linked with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is a separate nonprofit group that runs programs in education, healthcare and economic development.

     Congresswoman Wilson gave out at total of $10,000 in scholarships to the students.  “Education is the key to success; it can unlock many doors for deserving young men and woman, and allow  them to live out their dreams,” says Congresswoman Wilson.

     Congresswoman Wilson is a lifelong advocate of children and education. She is also the founder of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, which provides mentorship and scholarships to at-risk boys in Miami-Dade Public Schools.

     “As a former school principal I know the need for programs like this and the positive impact they can have on a student’s life,” said the Congresswoman.

     Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation has helped thousands of students struggling financially to achieve their dreams of furthering their education.

     “Although I do receive some financial assistance from my financial aid office at school, every year I have to scramble to figure out how I am going to pay the balance on my school bill. There have been times where I have been close to being kicked out of school financially and where I thought I would have to leave,” says Theresa Eugene, a senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who is seeking a Bachelor’s Degree of Individual Concentration in Arts Management and Social Entrepreneurship.

     For Khaleelah Ladson, a junior at Florida State University, who is seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in the Fine Arts Acting Program, it has also been an uphill battle to stay in school.

     “As the tuition rates rise here at Florida State, the money I had saved for school, (in addition to the grants I have), are nearly depleted. I can only take a few classes this semester because the average 3-credit course costs up to $558. I also have to pay for food, books, my house utility bills and healthcare necessities,” says Ladson.

     Paying for college has been huge burden for these financially strapped students, but one lifted, at least, for this semester, thanks to the CBCF Scholarships.

“As the tuition rates rise here at Florida State, the money I had saved for school, (in addition to the grants I have), are nearly depleted. I can only take a few classes this semester because the average 3-credit course costs up to $558. I also have to pay for food, books, my house utility bills and healthcare necessities,” says Ladson.

     Paying for college has been huge burden for these financially strapped students, but one lifted, at least, for this semester, thanks to the CBCF Scholarships.

     “I applied for this scholarship not knowing what the future would hold but I continued my endeavors on faith and faith alone. This scholarship will help in completing my tuition payment for my Master’s in Public Health, while I continue my Doctor of Medicine’s Degree at Howard University,” says Clauden Louis.

     Eugene, Ladson and Louis say there are no words to express their gratitude, but say they will let their actions of giving back to their South Florida communities upon graduation be the testament of their thankfulness for the scholarships provided by Congresswoman Wilson and Congressional Black Caucus Foundation.

     The other students who received $1600 college scholarships are: Carla Forges who attends the University of Miami; Jacques Wilson, who attends Florida Memorial University; and Lawrence Collier, who attends FAMU.

     The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation offers several different scholarships. For application deadlines and more information, contact Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s Office at (305) 690-5905. The office is located at 18425 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida 33169.