For the third year running, the Bessie Morris Foundation, a local non-profit organization, awarded 10 scholarships.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, community involvement, future aspirations, and financial need. The recipients are at various stages on their educational journey.
Aurrie Parker and Tyree Littles, graduates of University Pathways Public Service Academy, received the NOBLE Reddick Scholarship and will attend Dillard University and Huston-Tillotson University respectively in the fall. Other high school graduate recipients attending college this fall are Adela Ruiz, UCLA; Jonae McGee, University of California, Santa Barbara; Mitchell Thomas, California State University, Fullerton; and Kennedy Mitchell-Egbo, Bucknell University.
Undergraduate recipients continuing their studies are Alana Matthews, George Washington Universit; and Brianna Maldonado, University of California, San Diego. Karlan Arenas and Maricela Rojas both 2024 graduates of California State University, Dominguez Hills, will begin graduate studies.
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Ivory Freeman founded the Bessie Morris Foundation in 2005 in memory of her grandmother, Mrs. Bessie Bernice Morris, to provide underserved girls in Los Angeles with resources and tools to help them reach their dreams. In 2022, the Academic Scholarship program was established through a grant from the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (SCC NOBLE). That year, four scholarships in the name of Mom and Pop Riddick were awarded.
Bessie Morris Foundation expanded the scholarship program in 2023 and for the second consecutive year is awarding ten scholars $500 each towards their college studies.
“Even those who have been awarded financial aid may have difficulties purchasing school supplies and dorm furnishings, as funds are often not distributed until after the school session has begun. We want to help those of low-income to have the opportunity to better themselves,” said Freeman.
Scholarship recipients completed an online application, provided transcripts, proof of college acceptance, and wrote an essay about their personal circumstances. Although the foundation’s programs focus on girls and young women, the academic scholarship is open to male students as well.
Bessie Morris Foundation is a Los Angeles County-based 501 (C) (3) organization founded in 2005 by Ivory Freeman. The organization is dedicated to inspiring girls and young women to realize their dreams by emphasizing the importance of academic performance, self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-sufficiency. The foundation offers leadership development training, health education, mentorship, personal development, and character-building programs to at-risk, underprivileged girls. The organization is supported through grants and individual donations. Learn more about the organization and its programs at https://bessiemorris.org.
