$15,000 to be awarded in WSU Applebaum JEDI scholarship competition
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) scholarship competition is now open. A total of $15,000 will be presented to students who actively contribute to social justice in health care through a more diverse and engaged student body.
“The JEDI scholarship is part of our college's commitment to fostering a diverse academic environment and increasing cultural awareness and competency,” said Interim Dean Cathy Lysack. “This makes our classrooms stronger, our decisions and problem-solving skills as educators and health professionals more thoughtful, and our students better prepared to equitably care for patients in our community after they graduate.”
Applicants must be current full-time graduate or undergraduate students in good academic standing in any WSU Applebaum program. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 30.
Last year’s recipients include Toleka Taylor, a 2020 nurse anesthesia alumna who aims to inspire young, low-income students to pursue health sciences careers to show them a pathway out of poverty. Taylor feels that it’s her responsibility to encourage “students who look like me and come from a rough home environment to believe that education is attainable.”
Doctor of Physical Therapy student Haley Boccomino also earned the scholarship in 2020. Boccomino is pursuing their goal of inclusivity by promoting education on LGBTQ patient care in PT and other health professions, saying, “I hope to incite policy changes that improve care for LGBTQ people.” Boccomino's advocacy writing has been published several times in the past year, including an American Physical Therapy Association article on why health care providers owe it to patients – and to each other – to honor pronouns.
Chair of the JEDI Scholarship Committee and Occupational Therapy Program Director Doreen Head said, “Students who have earned this scholarship are not only paving the way for others, they are leading and giving back. They are creating changes, increasing awareness of the tremendous benefits of inclusion in all settings. Even as students, they are already out in the community making a difference."
JEDI scholarship awards will be deposited directly into recipients’ Wayne State accounts for tuition costs. The online application requires students to upload a CV and current unofficial transcript, and submit a personal statement no longer than 500 words touching on any or all of the following topics:
- Socioeconomic disadvantage
- First-generation college student
- What diversity means to you and why it is important in relation to your profession
- Overcoming substantial obstacles such as family or personal adversity, educational disability, and prejudice or discrimination
- Other factors that contribute to a diverse and engaged student body, including but not limited to geographic residence (specifically including the City of Detroit)
“I am always impressed by the strength and bravery of our student applicants,” Head said. “It is a privilege to hear their inspiring stories and to be able to provide some resources recognizing their efforts in creating a diverse and equitable environment.”
Questions about the scholarship or application process may be directed to Tiffany Cusmano at tcusmano@wayne.edu.
