Promise Scholarship 2022

The National Black Child Development Institute, a society that ensures a successful future for all children, just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The organization is steeped in education and advocacy on a mission to enhance the quality of life for Black and Brown children and their families. As members of the Black Child Development Institute (BCDI) - Charlotte, a local nonprofit that provides culturally relevant and responsive programs and opportunities for children and families, we are excited to share an upcoming event that commemorates our national organization’s distinction. 

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, we hosted our 5th Annual Jazz Brunch: Lighting a Path Towards Racial Justice, Equity, and Education, a fundraiser to gain support for the programs that Charlotte Mecklenburg children and their families have benefited from over the years. This was also an opportunity to learn about the work of BCDI-Charlotte, network with community leaders, enjoy local jazz artists, and invest in our community’s future (our youth)! All proceeds will go towards providing culturally relevant programs for young children and families in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. We are looking for young people who are interested in participating.  Up to $1,000 in scholarships will be awarded to the winners.

Essay contest – Lower School (Grades: 1st through 5th):  

Please respond to one of the following writing prompts:  

1. What do you think about the Black Lives Matter Movement? What can you do to help all types of people get along and make your community a better place? (Minimum 250 words/maximum 500 words) 
2. What does it mean to be literate and why is it important for communities and community members to be literate? Do you think that justice has anything to do with literacy? Explain your answer. (Minimum 250 words/maximum 500 words)

Essay contest – Middle School (Grades 6th through 8th):

Please respond to one of the following writing prompts:  

1. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought renewed and vigorous attention to the issues of racism, discrimination, and inequities experienced by Black, Indigenous People, of Color (BIPOC). In what direction would you like to see the movement head? Is there a role for you in this process? (Minimum 500 words/maximum 750 words)  
2. Some define literacy as the “ability to read, write, speak, and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world”. How vital do you think literacy is in helping students achieve equity both in their own education and beyond? What can you do to strengthen your literacy competence and that of others? (Minimum 500 words/maximum 750 words)  

Essay contest – High School (Grades 9th through 12th):  

Please respond to one of the following writing prompts:  

1. The Black Lives Matter movement has brought renewed and vigorous attention to the issues of racism, discrimination, and inequities experienced by Black, Indigenous People, of Color (BIPOC). In what direction would you like to see the movement head? Is there a role for you in this process? (Minimum 500 words/maximum 750 words) 
2. Some define literacy as the “ability to read, write, speak, and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world”. How vital do you think literacy is in helping students achieve equity both in their own education and beyond? What can you do to strengthen your literacy competence and that of others? (Minimum 500 words/maximum 750 words)

 RULES FOR ESSAY SUBMISSION:

• Essays must have a title and be typed, double spaced, Times New Roman font, 12 pt. font size.
• Essays must be original and written by one person. Plagiarized and/or co-authored essays entries will not be accepted.
• Essays should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format.

If your child and/or anyone within your community wishes to submit an essay for consideration, they must do so by Friday, April 29, 2022, at 5:00 pm EDT. Their submission must be accompanied by the enclosed form and may be sent to promisescholarship@bcdi-charlotte.org. Should you have any questions, please feel welcome to contact: promisescholarship@bcdi-charlotte.org. 

We appreciate your support and look forward to receiving your submissions. 

With warmest wishes, 

The Committee 

Ken Flamer, Iris Hines-Flamer, & Robert Caruso