Applications are now being accepted for the Williams Institute Scholar Program, a comprehensive leadership development initiative designed to equip Stillman students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to excel as leaders on campus and in their communities. As a program built upon four key pillars – Professional Development, Community Engagement, Leadership Workshops, and Educational Advocacy – this initiative is committed to empowering students to make a meaningful impact, based on four pillars:
- Professional Development: Scholars will engage in professional training activities, including membership in Toastmasters for public speaking skills, NSLS, and advocacy training.
- Community Engagement: Scholars will participate in mentoring activities with middle and high school students (Stillman Stripes), fostering a pipeline into Stillman College. Additionally, scholars will collaborate with the Black Male Initiative (BMI) to provide mentoring opportunities for elementary school students through our Tiger Cub Program.
- Leadership Workshops: Scholars will organize workshops on campus focused on leadership, education, and financial security to empower their peers and the broader community.
- Educational Advocacy: Scholars will work on initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly focusing on underserved communities. This includes advocating for educational policies that support diversity and inclusion, encouraging students to remain in education fields, and spreading the importance of having dedicated educators, especially educators of color, in classrooms to provide diverse perspectives and role models.
A Focus on Recruiting and Retaining African American Male Teachers
One of the program’s primary goals is to recruit and retain African American male teachers. Research has shown that having African American male teachers positively impacts student performance, particularly for students of color, by providing relatable role models and promoting diversity in educational perspectives. By encouraging and supporting African American males in the teaching profession, the program aims to foster an inclusive and representative educational environment.
Open to All Majors and Genders
While the program emphasizes the importance of recruiting African American male teachers, it is open to students of all majors and genders. The Williams Institute Scholar Program values diversity and inclusion, welcoming all students who are passionate about leadership and community engagement.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the Williams Institute Scholar Program, students must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Enrollment as a sophomore, junior, or senior at Stillman College
- Submission of two letters of recommendation (Faculty or Staff)
- Submission of an essay writing sample addressing the mission of the Williams Institute and leadership (500-750 words)
The writing prompt for the essay is: “What does it mean to be a leader within the Stillman community? Discuss the importance of African American male educators and educators of color in general. How do you envision embodying the values of the Tiger in your leadership roles?”
Deadline: July 30th, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST
What You Can Expect
The Williams Institute Scholar Program offers students a unique opportunity to develop their leadership skills, engage with their community, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them. Through professional development activities, community engagement initiatives, leadership workshops, and advocacy efforts, scholars will emerge as confident, compassionate, and effective leaders ready to tackle the challenges of today and shape the future of tomorrow.
Join the journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation, by applying here.
