About The SWNA Scholarship Program

The SWNA Scholarship Program is managed by the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly's Education and Scholarship Task Force (ESTF).  The Program began in 1974 as a humble initiative when residents from River Park Cooperative raised funds to provide scholarships to several low-income youth in the surrounding community.  The following year, The Scholarship Program became a part of SWNA, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.  

Task Force members continue to work diligently and on a volunteer basis under the leadership of concerned individuals who share a passion for helping others.  Task Force Chairs include: Jim Sweeney (1979); Professor Mekki Mtewa & Hazel Handon (1980); Thelma Jones (1981-82); John Curran (1983-85); Francine Vinson (1986-91); Barbara Murray (1992-2007); Carolyn G. Mitchell (2008-11); Thelma Jones (2012-13); Vyllorya Evans & Thelma Jones (2014); Vyllorya Evans & Audrey Hinton (2015-17); Vyllorya Evans (2018-2022); Vyllorya Evans & Eric Smith (2022-present).  

Over the past almost five decades, community support has helped 261 neighborhood youth achieve their educational goals by providing scholarships to help defray the cost of tuition, books and other related expenses.  Some recipients were first-generation college students and received scholarships from their freshman to senior year.  Some have achieved advanced degrees that allow for successful careers.

We count on the continued generosity of friends and supporters like you to keep this important initiative going.  

Thank you for your continued support.