5 Strong Scholarship Foundation, Inc.

The 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation, Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing retention and graduation rates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Established to address the disparities in educational outcomes faced by African American students, the foundation focuses on providing full-tuition scholarships along with comprehensive support to promising student leaders.

Mission and Key Activities

The mission of the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation is centered on empowering students in the "academic middle," who show potential but may not have outstanding grades or test scores. These students are often overlooked for scholarships but demonstrate leadership potential and a strong motivation to succeed. The foundation supports these scholars from matriculation to graduation, offering resources that help them graduate with minimal student loan debt.

5 Strong partners with HBCUs to identify and support talented students through an intensive college success program. This program includes extensive mentorship, coaching, and a community of peers, ensuring that each scholar is well-equipped for success. The foundation's model has been highly effective, with 84% of its scholars on track to graduate—more than twice the national average for Black students in four-year colleges.

History and Impact

Founded by Andrew Ragland, an HBCU graduate himself, the foundation began its operations in 2015. Ragland, having witnessed firsthand the nurturing environment HBCUs provide for students with untapped potential, sought to bridge the financial gap that often hinders their academic pursuits. Over the years, over 100 talented Black young people have benefited from the program, achieving significant academic and professional milestones.

The impact of the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation is evident in the success stories of its alumni, who have gone on to become leaders in various fields, including medicine and science. The foundation's dedication to creating a pipeline of accomplished leaders who can contribute meaningfully to their communities underscores its commitment to addressing racial wealth disparities through education.

Governance and Operations

The foundation is led by a diverse board of directors with expertise in education and community development. They oversee the governance practices that ensure transparency, ethics, and inclusivity in all operations. The organization conducts regular assessments of its leadership and governance processes to maintain high standards of accountability.

By focusing on impactful partnerships with HBCUs and providing holistic support to its scholars, the 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation continues to play a vital role in shaping educational outcomes for African American students in the United States.

[1] https://www.5strongscholars.org/about5strong [2] https://www.5strongapp.org [3] https://www.5strongscholars.org [4] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/47-1332851 [5] https://app.candid.org/profile/9417217