Purpose

Mass  incarceration negatively impacts families in the U.S, in so many ways, especially for low income, underserved, and families of color where economic, health, and education disparities are further compounded.  This includes the well-being of children of incarcerated mothers and fathers. The purpose of The K. Shaw Scholarship (KSS) is to support a Howard University student who has an incarcerated parent during a student’s matriculation towards graduation.

Goals

The K. Shaw Scholarship (KSS) has the goal of directly supporting Howard University students by providing direct financial support for a student who experiences hardship and whose parent or guardian is currently incarcerated (or has experienced incarceration) while matriculating as an undergraduate student towards graduation. The scholarship is created consistent with Howard University’s historic mission and the Capstone Group’s mission relating to integrity, competency, transparency, and accountability within the University’s management.

Awards

The KSS will be a direct payment of funds for textbook and/or learning material expenses.  The award comes directly from Capstone Group donors.

Eligibility

Students must meet specific eligibility criteria:

  1. Students must be enrolled full time Howard University students.  
  2. Students must be in good academic standing where they have at least a 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
  3. Students should submit a letter of reference from one of their Howard University professors as well as a member from the community.
  4. Students must be subscribed to the Capstone Group online mailing list where they can be reached via email by Capstone representatives.
  5. Parent(s) or Guardian(s) of the student must be incarcerated or have experienced incarceration.

Selection

Individual students are selected by donors or the Capstone Group on the following criteria:

  1. Students are judged to have achievements consistent with Howard University’s historic mission of support and advancing African American, Black, and underserved communities. 
  2. All items from above eligibility criteria.

Scholarship Amounts

The maximum amount for any scholarship is $500.

Conditions of Award

Students who are awarded the KSS should continue to meet the following criteria: 

  1. Students must remain enrolled full-time at Howard University.
  2. Students must be in good academic standing where they have at least a 3.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
  3. Students will attend an annual Capstone Group The Annual Capstone Legacy Awards, which is held every year in February.

Students awarded a scholarship must volunteer for The Capstone Group in an area of their choice for the remainder of their current academic year. (e.g. 2023 – 2024) 

Volunteer Committees: 

  • Social Media 
  • Membership 
  • Website 
  • Scholarship 
  • Plan/work at on-site events 
  • Newsletter 
  • SYIP/MBSYEP

Notification of Funding Decisions

All funding decisions will be made in a written letter or by email.  Decisions are not released verbally in person and/or over the phone.

Disbursement of Funds

Funds will be paid directly to the student’s Howard University account.

Number of Awards

Students are permitted to receive only one (1) scholarship funded by the Capstone Group at one time.

Changes in Enrollment

Student who receive the KSS must be enrolled full time at Howard University.  Enrollment changes after the add/drop period are not permitted.  Students must send written notification of any enrollment or schedule changes to the Capstone Group immediately.

How to Apply

Student applicants for KSS must follow these guidelines:

  1. Students should submit an online application where all information must be written in English.
  2. The student should arrange for email recommendations to be sent directly from faculty member and community representative directly to meccaminded@gmail.com.
  3. Students must be subscribed to the Capstone Group online mailing list where they can be reached via email by Capstone representatives
  4. The application must be submitted during the academic school year and at the latest 3 weeks before the end of the current academic year’s spring semester.
  5. The application becomes the property of the Howard University Capstone Group. 

The online application form requires

  1. Personal identifying information
  2. Professional information
  3. Contact information
  4. Description of career goals 

The scholarship(s) will be available on Oct. 1st, 2023

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jW5UL-pObhe9ubpf1QI8P2dGE_z4TsG45ab2eH8yanE/

Contact Information:

E-mail: meccaminded@gmail.com