For many high school graduates, the challenge of college tuition is the first time they take on significant financial responsibility. And as far too many Americans know, it is the financial responsibility that stays with you for years…and years…and years. So it goes without saying that every little bit helps. Which is why Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Municipal Council members, Verizon Foundation Vice President Sam Delgado, and Believe in Newark Foundation representatives presented $11,000 in scholarship money to six Newark high school graduates heading for two-and four-year colleges to major in fine arts, music, drama or theater, at a ceremony this week.
The “Believe in Newark” scholarships are funded by the Believe in Newark Foundation and the Verizon Foundation, to support Newark youth who are entering colleges. The Believe in Newark Foundation provided $8,000, and the Verizon Foundation bore $3,000 of the $11,000. The money is paid directly to the students’ institutions of higher learning.
The Amiri Baraka Visual & Performing Arts Scholarship, which honors the Mayor’s late father, will provide East Side High School graduate William Rodriquez, Jr. with $6,000. Five Newark Youth Council members will receive $1,000 Academic and Service Scholarships: Aliyyah Torres, Mahogany Laveau, Kristin Towkaniuk, Jessiah Paul, and Shakira McKnight.
