For the past three decades, the Black Scholars Community Partnership Initiative has been steadfastly committed to transforming the narrative surrounding African-American youth by celebrating their academic accomplishments and combating negative stereotypes that have plagued them for far too long. Our coalition comprises 21 esteemed Westchester County-based African-American organizations united in a shared mission to uplift, empower, and recognize excellence among African-American students.
In today's public discourse, there exists a disheartening pattern of fixating on low achievers and drop-outs, perpetuating the misguided belief that all Black youth aspire to pursue careers as athletes, entertainers, or even engage in illicit activities. This damaging misconception undermines the potential and aspirations of countless talented young individuals. To address these misconceptions head-on, the Black Scholars Community Partnership was founded with a resolute purpose - to challenge and dispel these myths.
We aim to develop an educational community where hard work, success, and superior performance are universally recognized, respected, honored, and rewarded, specifically addressing the unique needs of African-American scholars. The Community Partnership is committed to meeting this need.
Each year, through a cooperative effort with 28 high schools, principals and guidance counselors, the Partnership honors more than 300 high school seniors from throughout Westchester County who have maintained honor roll credentials during their high school years. These students are eligible for scholarships, book awards, and essay contest prizes to help prepare them for college.
The Partnership also recognizes teachers who have motivated and inspired our Black Scholars. At the end of the academic year, students submit essays nominating an instructor for the Teacher of the Year Award. The nominees have won the respect and admiration of their students, and have played a significant role in their academic and personal development. The winner is honored at the annual Black Scholars Recognition Reception, held at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York.
Students selected for the Black Scholar of Westchester epitomize the highest level of scholarship and achievement. We welcome your expression of interest in a Black Scholar nomination.
Students are selected as Black Scholars based on the cumulative GPA during all years of high school. A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required to qualify for this recognition. Recommendations are solicited from high school principals and guidance counselors for scholar candidates. If you, a relative or an acquaintance have an academic record that meets these qualifications to be named as a Black Scholar of Westchester, we encourage you to print the following announcement and share it with your principal and guidance counselors, and ask that they submit your nomination to the address below:
Black Scholars Community Partnership Initiative
c/o Urban League of Westchester
61 Mitchell Place, White Plains, NY 10601
Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel
Archbishop Stepinac
Early College High School
Iona Preparatory
Lakeland
Maria Regina
Mount Vernon
New Rochelle
Peekskill
Port Chester
Rye Country Day
Salesian
Saunders & Technical
Soundview Preparatory
Thornton
Tuckahoe
Ursuline
Valhalla
Walter Panas
White Plains
Yonkers
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