Scholarships
In 2015, the Cincinnati NAACP branch established a scholarship program for African American students who are graduating from Cincinnati Public Schools. Through this program, we award scholarships to students who have shown leadership in their academic pursuits, personal lives, and community involvement.
The scholarship funds were named in honor of individuals who made significant contributions to advance the local branch.
- Dr. Karla S. Irvine Leaders Scholarship Fund
- Charles Ross Sr. Leaders Scholarship Fund
- Juanita M. Adams Leaders Scholarship Fund
Eligibility and How the Scholarship Program Works
The scholarship selection process opens up in the spring of each year as long as funds are available. To be eligible, the student must be a current CPS senior and have a 2.5 GPA or above. They cannot be relatives of Cincinnati NAACP committee members or staff. We encourage all candidates that meet the eligibility requirements to apply!
Students must complete the application and include all required material. This includes an official transcript, two letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors, a one-page essay (single-spaced), and evidence of acceptance or full-time enrollment at a University.
The review committee will consider complete applications within a holistic framework that gives weight to the merit and need of each applicant. Scholarship awards are sent directly to the selected students’ universities once they are enrolled.
To apply for a scholarship from the NAACP, you can click on the link below, or request an application by emailing info@cincinnatinaacp.com.
Past Recipients
Raven Lyons
Adams Scholarship
Zuri Williams
Adams Scholarship
Kevin Kinebrew
Irvine Scholarship
Dasia Thornton
Irvine Scholarship
Faith Thomas
Ross Scholarship
Perri Wedlock
Ross Scholarship
Cincinnati NAACP Scholarship Namesakes
Juanita M. Adams
Ms. Adams was a Life Member of the NAACP. For six years, she served as First Vice President, and during 2011 she served as Interim President of the Cincinnati Branch. With a strong belief in the mission of the NAACP, she served on a number of committees and supported all fund-raising activities. In recognition of her service, the branch established the Juanita M. Adams Scholarship Fund (3872) in 2013 with the assistance of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
Dr. Karla S. Irvine
Dr. Irvine was an active member of the NAACP and the Charter Committee of Cincinnati. She was a strong proponent of election reform and fair government. An outspoken and fearless advocate and a founding member of Fair Vote. Ms. Irvine was a fierce champion of proportional representation and electoral equality. She was active in the campaign to bring back proportional representation to Cincinnati in 2008. In addition to her dedication towards proportional representation, Ms. Irvine was a lifelong activist and a nationally recognized leader in the fair-housing movement. She had a zeal and tenacity for equality and improving the lives of others.