Introduction to West Side Church Scholarships
Laila Guy wants to be there for those who are mourning their loved ones. She hopes to one day open her own funeral home to help people through the pain of losing a loved one. But to get there the 19-year-old needs to continue her studies at Malcolm X College, where she’s majoring in mortuary science. But her books are expensive. That’s why she’s grateful for the money she was awarded through a scholarship program by Greater St. John Bible Church in Austin. It allows her to focus on her schoolwork and not worry about how she will cover the cost of her required reading.
The Scholarship Program
On Sunday, Guy was one of more than 30 students pursuing higher education who were awarded scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,000 at a community event at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep in Austin. These students are either high school graduates, already enrolled in university or are pursuing master’s degrees. The scholarships handed out Sunday totaled more than $50,000. The annual gathering included raffles, dance performances, a local business vendor fair and basketball exhibition games with community members.
Community Support and Impact
The Rev. Ira Acree, senior pastor of Greater St. John Church, said the scholarships offer more than just financial assistance for students, it offers community that they can fall back on. Many of the recipients are from the Austin area. “It’s not just come get a thousand dollars or fifteen-hundred dollars and then we don’t see you anymore, there is a network in place where they can connect and get some type of support or direction,” Acree said. “It’s so uplifting to know that you’re not alone.” Acree said the scholarships have been awarded since 2001. They are funded through a mix of donations from dedicated church members and local business partners.
Success Stories and Goals
Henry Johnson, 22, hopes to be one of those success stories. He’s working toward his master’s degree in criminal justice at Liberty University in Virginia. Johnson’s goal is to become a defense attorney to represent those in underserved communities who can’t afford legal assistance. Johnson said he wasn’t sure if he would have been able to complete his coursework without the scholarship. “Books were a very expensive fee for me this year, and luckily I obtained this scholarship and it’ll help me pay for books and my laptop because without that I wouldn’t be able to attend classes and do any work,” Johnson said.
Conclusion
The West Side church scholarships provide crucial financial support to students pursuing higher education, helping them overcome the financial barrier of attending university. The program also offers a sense of community and networking opportunities, which can be just as valuable as the monetary award. By investing in the futures of these young people, the church is helping to combat violence in the Austin area and promote a more positive and supportive environment. As Rev. Acree said, “One of the ways we fight back is by investing in futures, not funerals.”
FAQs
Q: How many students received scholarships?
A: More than 30 students received scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,000.
Q: What is the total amount of scholarships awarded?
A: The total amount of scholarships awarded is more than $50,000.
Q: How are the scholarships funded?
A: The scholarships are funded through a mix of donations from dedicated church members and local business partners.
Q: What is the goal of the scholarship program?
A: The goal of the scholarship program is to provide financial assistance and community support to students pursuing higher education, and to help combat violence in the Austin area by investing in the futures of young people.
