Norton Congratulates Five D.C. Winners of Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Scholarship

Washington, D.C. —Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today offered her congratulations to five District of Columbia residents who have been awarded the 2020 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Spouses Education Scholarship: Rajhad Burks (Catholic University of America), Mariah Haley (Columbia Law School), Alyson Jefferson (Oberlin College), Mentewab Kebede (Georgetown University), and Amari Manigault (George Washington University). Recipients are awarded $1,640 each to help advance their academic careers. For more than 30 years, the CBC Foundation has made scholarships available to deserving Black students who reside in CBC Member districts. These scholarships support full-time students enrolled in higher education institutions across a variety of disciplines.

As a senior member of the CBC, Norton annually appoints a selection committee to review scholarship applications. Norton said she is especially grateful to this year's committee, composed ofRev. Dr. Alice Greene, Reverend Debra Camphor, and Kenneth Howard. The committee determines a grade for each student based on transcripts, recommendation letters, and short-answer essays.

The rigorous scholarship application process begins in February and winners are announced later in the year. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in school full time and reside in the district of a CBC member.

"I applaud these students for their work that enabled them to compete successfully for this stipend," Norton said. "As tuition at many institutions has soared over the years, we are determined to continue these scholarship stipends to assist students in their academic pursuits. We recognize that $1,640 is a drop in the bucket compared to the ever-climbing costs and financial burdens facing students today. However, this scholarship represents more than the money attached to it. These students exemplify Black academic excellence in the District of Columbia, and we are proud to have them represent our city."

More information about CBCF and the scholarships they offer can be foundhere.

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