WASHINGTON – A 2019 Howard University graduate, Jerron Hawkins, is making other students’ lives more manageable through his non-profit scholarship fund and foundation, the Reach Foundation. Hawkins launched the scholarship in September with his own money and has awarded three $500 scholarships to Howard University students so far.
“I’ve seen other students on the phone crying because they don’t know if they can afford to come back next semester,” says Hawkins. “Because of scholarships, I’m graduating debt free and I have enough for the extra things I need, so I started Reach Foundation to help other students.”
Hawkins received his degree in political science with a minor in economics during Howard University’s 151st Commencement Ceremony. Throughout his senior year, he worked as a concierge and resident assistant in Howard University’s College Hall South. Hawkins funded the scholarships with the money he made working on Howard’s campus, including the money he received from his scholarship refund.
“A lot of students think you have to establish yourself fully in your career before you can do things for the community,” says Hawkins. “I’m not a Fortune 500 executive, but I wanted to show people that this model can work and that it will thrive.”
Reach Foundation’s mission is to disrupt negative cycles and establish a productive and uplifting culture for collegiate minorities. The foundation will provide three types of scholarships, facilitate mentorship, and highlight the impact minority college students can have on their campuses and in their communities.
“We are tremendously proud of Jerron and commend him for his vision and commitment to serving other students in the Howard community,” says Sharon Strange Lewis, director of alumni relations at Howard University. “This is an example of the kind of generosity and giving spirit that has benefited so many Howard University students and we will continue to support his efforts as he grows his foundation to impact Howard students and other student communities.”
Reach Foundation scholarships are built on three pillars: reach, pull, and uplift. The reach scholarship went to a Howard University student, while the pull scholarship was awarded to a minority college student at any university and the uplift scholarship is open to any student. Fifteen students applied for Reach Foundation scholarships using a creative submission process that highlights what the applicants are passionate about. Hawkins says the full scholarship will start in the fall with a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a minority student from any school.
“This really has been a collective effort and I am grateful to everyone who has supported the Reach Foundation,” says Hawkins. “I definitely thank our student selection committee, our board of directors, and the volunteers who run our social media or help with graphic design. Vice President Kenneth Holmes has been a big champion since the beginning and helped get me in front of other Howard administration like Assistant Vice President Paris Carter, Sharon Strange Lewis and Vice President David Bennett who have all supported what Reach Foundation is doing.”
In February, the Reach Foundation did a social media campaign in honor of Black History Month. The “Read in Color Giveaway” awarded six college students from Howard and other schools a signed copy of Kyle McMurtry’s children’s book titled, “Henry’s Going to an HBCU.” McMurtry is a Howard junior who published the book to inspire younger generations to attend an HBCU. Reach Foundation also recently started a partnership with BuildOn, supporting campaigns to builds schools around the world, starting with Senegal.
For more information about scholarship applications and Reach Foundation initiatives, visit www.ForTheStars.org and follow @ReachFoundation on Instagram.
*Top left photo courtesy of Gio Hernandez.
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About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.
Media Contact: Misha Cornelius, misha.cornelius@howard.edu
