FAMU President James H. Ammons awarded $175,000 in scholarships to students at the Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) in New York, NY. Ammons met with the administration of HCZ as well as with parents and students to award scholarships on the spot to students who meet scholarship requirements. Five students, who will be the first generation in their family to attend college, were recipients of the scholarships.Dominique Bradham-Riddy was awarded a Life-Gets-Better Scholarship totaling more than $100,000. This presidential scholarship provides four years of tuition and fees, room, board, books, $500 per semester stipend, internships and a laptop. Bradham-Riddy plans to major in engineering and pre-med.
The other students included: Falilou Barry, business and engineering; Jainelle Gailard, psychology; Brittany Williams, science/pre-med; and Deloris Witcher, science/pre-med.
HCZ has an exemplary record of graduating students who go on to college. But according to Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of HCZ, this is first time a university has offered scholarships to students at HCZ.
“We have worked with these students since they were in sixth grade to make sure they were academically prepared for college and the high-skills job market,” Canada aid. “By offering our students these scholarships, Florida A&M University is knocking down one of the biggest remaining barriers to success for these kids. We are thrilled that the college is giving our kids this opportunity.”
Ammons said the students at the Harlem Children's Zone are talented.
“The students at the Harlem Children's Zone are talented and driven,” Ammons said. “Florida A&M University can help them discover who they can become and succeed to their fullest potential.”
HCZ aims to break the cycle of generational poverty for the thousands of children and families it serves. All HCZ programs are offered free to the children and families of Harlem, which is made possible by donations.