With graduation season in full swing, high school seniors nationwide are preparing for their next steps. However, in our hometown of Milwaukee, only 9 percent of students will earn both high school and college diplomas, and just 14 percent of high school graduates will achieve a two- or four-year degree. We aim to improve these numbers.
Nine students have been awarded the Northwestern Mutual Hometown HBCU Connection Scholarship this year. Now in its second year, this scholarship is part of our commitment to invest over $500,000 in scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) over the next five years, supporting a total of 36 students. The scholarship provides financial aid, mentorship, cohort-building, and paid internships and job opportunities to help Black students pursue and sustain their college education.
Recipients were chosen based on academic performance, leadership, involvement in school and community activities, work experience, and their career and educational goals statements. Many chose HBCUs to better understand themselves and be part of a motivated community. They also plan to bring their experiences back to their hometowns post-graduation.
Here are our 2024 scholars:
Tamera Hughes selected Fayetteville State University for its business administration program and welcoming atmosphere. A jewelry maker dedicated to serving others, she is excited about the opportunities the scholarship offers for Milwaukee students like herself. Tamia Hughes, who will study nursing at Fayetteville State University, is comforted by having her twin sister with her. She believes her life, marked by resilience since premature birth, exemplifies the power of dreaming big and utilizing available resources. Jada Hughes is eager to be among like-minded individuals at Morgan State University, where she will major in psychology. Her interest in mental health was inspired by observing the struggles of those around her. Despite missing her job at Incredi-Roll skating rink, she looks forward to new experiences and developing her interpersonal skills. Taylor Harris learned about Southern University Agricultural and Mechanical College from her track coach, an alum. Majoring in criminal justice, she founded her school’s Black Student Union and chose an HBCU to learn about African American experiences beyond Wisconsin. Zion Thomas aims to study civil engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, inspired by its high number of Black engineering graduates. He dreams of improving infrastructure in low-income communities and values scholarships that help Black and Brown students explore opportunities outside Wisconsin. Karrington Parrish is excited to continue her family’s HBCU tradition at Spelman College, majoring in health science. Inspired by her visit to Spelman, she hopes her journey from being deferred to accepted will motivate others to persist in their dreams. Loren Muwonge chose Spelman College to delve into the history and contributions of her culture. Majoring in political science, she aims to use arts and advocacy to empower oppressed communities. Loren looks forward to both the “Black Mecca” experience in Atlanta and the professional opportunities the scholarship provides. Paishance Collins will study business at Fayetteville State University and plans to create a nonprofit for financial literacy in Milwaukee. While she’ll miss Milwaukee’s music culture, she’s excited to learn about African American identities from other regions. Ilstlo Beiersdorf Jr will major in computer science at Morehouse College, driven by his passion for video games. As a first-generation college student, he appreciates how the scholarship supports his aspirations and helps him achieve his dreams. Nine students have been awarded the Northwestern Mutual Hometown HBCU Connection Scholarship this year. Now in its second year, this scholarship is part of our commitment to invest over $500,000 in scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) over the next five years, supporting a total of 36 students. The scholarship provides financial aid, mentorship, cohort-building, and paid internships and job opportunities to help Black students pursue and sustain their college education.
Recipients were chosen based on academic performance, leadership, involvement in school and community activities, work experience, and their career and educational goals statements. Many chose HBCUs to better understand themselves and be part of a motivated community. They also plan to bring their experiences back to their hometowns post-graduation.
Here are our 2024 scholars:
We are dedicated to supporting our local community. We take pride in helping students and future leaders achieve their aspirations.
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