Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program: Honoring ancestors, empowering futures

By Shamerica Nakamura Miss Juneteenth Planning Committee

We are proud to announce the Spokane Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program, a transformative initiative whose mission is to “position young Black/African American women to embrace their unique identities, celebrate their heritage, and pursue higher education while fostering a strong sense of community and leadership.”

Applications are open to Black teen girls between the ages of 16-18 who currently reside in Spokane County. Selected participants will explore the significance of Juneteenth, develop skills in public speaking, mentorship and leadership. Participants will be able to showcase their talents and share their aspirations at the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, April 26. At the pageant, one participant will be awarded with a scholarship that will help in the pursuit of achieving their educational dream. The community is invited to join in on the celebration of these extraordinary young scholars.

Sponsorships and donations are welcome to support the program and mission. For more information about the Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Program, please follow us on Facebook & Instagram @missjuneteenthspokane or reach out by email missjuneteenthspokane@gmail.com.

Other opportunities

Other scholarship opportunities

Gonzaga Prep is pleased to announce the launch of a scholarship initiative that will support first-generation college-bound students with significant financial need. The program honoring the late Rev. Happy Watkins – a beloved member of the community – will ultimately serve 100 students annually, providing access to a life-changing Jesuit college preparatory education, according to a G-Prep news release.

The program launches with 25 scholarships, each valued at $15,000 per year, available to exceptional eighth-grade students entering Gonzaga Prep in the 2025-26 academic year. Over the next four years, the program will expand by adding 25 new scholars annually, reaching a total of 100 students, the release said.

The school is accepting applications and nominations and will host evening information and interview events on Feb. 3 and 12 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Gonzaga Prep. Interested applicants must attend one of these two events to be considered. To sign up for an event or to nominate a potential scholar, please email Alix Lee, director of Admissions, at alee@gprep.com.