51 Scholarships Awarded
What does it look like when students receive the opportunity to pursue their dreams? On a Tuesday night in South Minneapolis it looked like an auditorium filled past capacity to celebrate 51 teenagers on their way to college.
Families, mentors, teachers, and neighbors gathered at Urban Ventures to recognize the fifth year of Act Six cadres. These scholars are emerging leaders in their communities who received full-need four-year scholarships to one of six partner Minnesota colleges and universities. The Act Six program recognizes both the scholars’ contribution and their potential to change their neighborhood.
Laughter, tears of joy, smiles, and a near-tangible feeling of hope filled the room. Senior staff from their respective colleges congratulated each scholarship recipient. The students then stood before the large crowd to offer a brief word of thanks and aspiration.
“I want to be an example to the young girls in my neighborhood that they don’t have to settle for anything less than their dreams,” one scholar shared, “to show them women can be doctors and CEOs and engineers and leaders in our community.”
Another scholar told the crowd, “I am going to study psychology to work with children who have been abused and had their childhood stolen from them, to restore their peace.”
The 2019 class was as diverse in motivation as it was in heritage. Many students shared in both English and their native tongue, including Spanish, Thai, Hmong, and French. Some scholars shared their experience growing up in refugee camps, others described their struggles right here in the metro. They each spoke with pride and dignity about where they came from and where they are going.
The students weren’t the only ones given a chance to share. The event concluded with “community shout-outs” where friends and family encouraged their college-bound loved ones.
A senior community member commented on their own experience breaking down educational barriers. “I want to say to each of you who are the first in your family to go to college, so was I. It was many years ago, and most people weren’t sure they wanted to take a chance on me. Thank God they did. And thank goodness you are getting the opportunity now, too.”
One mother beamed as she addressed her child. “We dreamed of this when we came to this country. Your father loves you, I love you, your siblings love you. We are so supportive of you and so proud of you.”
Act Six Program Manager Miriam Medina reminded the scholars that the hard work is just beginning. The program’s ongoing support, leadership training, and connection throughout the college experience comes with high expectations. “You are not here because you are finished products,” Miriam challenged them. “If you work hard we know you will be great leaders. Everyone here is supporting you and not settling for less than your best.”
The evening ended with hugs, congratulations, and cupcakes. Families mingled in the lobby, and students from past cadres greeted their new classmates. The evening was a wonderful culmination of a thorough process that filtered nearly 500 applicants down to the 51 recipients.
The Act Six program is a key part of Urban Ventures’ cradle-to-career pipeline, which provides holistic support for students and their families from birth to adulthood.