Scholarships
WETATi Academy strongly believes that to educate and economically empower a child is to change the world. Based on this premise, we are committed and dedicated to doing all that we can to support the Next Generation financially and in partnership with our strategic partners and stakeholders.
WETATi Academy looks for creative ways to raise funds for the students to help them complete their education as part of our helping them to change their narratives, create their own opportunities, and become economically empowered as they prepare to enter the workforce through our entrepreneurship education programs.
The WETATi Academy Scholarship has been named after Anne Reese Carswell, a woman who has dedicated her entire life to the cause of raising and educating the Next Generation of women and men at the University of Maryland for over 20 years. “If i can help somebody, then my life is worth it!”, says Ms. Carswell.
As a result of Ms. Carswell’s mentorship and indefatigable attitude toward her fellow man and ensuring the success of her students, the WETATi Academy Scholarship Fund is named after her – Ms. Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Fund.
As so many students are in need, and COVID-19 has made it even harder for low to moderate-income students, we know for a fact that we can’t help everyone, but together and with generous hearts, we can help some. If everybody helps, nothing is hard to achieve.
Please donate to the WETATi Academy Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Fund:
WETATi Academy – Anne Reese Carswell Merit-Need Based Scholarship Application
Every year WETATi Academy provides an opportunity for incoming/currently enrolled full-time college students to apply for the WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship. This scholarship is a Merit-Need Based Scholarship for the amount up to $1,000 each for each College student that will be selected after the review of all the applicants submissions. (Scholarship recipients will be awarded directly.)
Application submission is due no later than Monday, June 3rd, 2024, 11:59PM. Selected scholarship recipients will be notified by email on Monday, June 10th, 2024. To apply click here.
Who is Eligible:
- High School Seniors
- Full-time Undergraduate College Student Enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year College/University
- Must still be currently enrolled and attending undergrad college/university during the time of application and award period
- Average GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Low-to-moderate Income student
Requirements:
- High School Senior College/University Acceptance Letter
- Provide Unofficial Transcript for proof of student’s status
- If you are an incoming college student provide copy of acceptance letter
- Provide proof of income (ex. Copy of FAFSA)
- Completed Application
- Answer 1 prompt question in two paragraphs and create a 2-minute or less video of one of the prompt questions (Total of 2 questions to be selected)
- Provide an appropriate/professional Headshot photo and bio
- All documents/files must be emailed in one submission to joanna@wetati.org
- Applications and documents are due no later than June 3rd, 2024, 11:59PM
2023 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS
University of Maryland College Park
Prince George's Community College
Prince George’s Community College
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland College Park
Chinchilla University of Maryland College Park
2022 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS
Prince George’s Community College
Montgomery Community College
Howard University
Fashion Institute of Technology, NY (FIT)
2021 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS
Bowie State University
Bowie State University
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland College Park
University of Maryland College Park
Stevenson University
University of Maryland College Park
Montgomery College
2020 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS
2019 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS & MS. CARSWELL, THE GODMOTHER OF WETATi Academy NEXT GENERATION-UMCP (WNGUM)!
2018 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS & MS. CARSWELL
“My life’s motto is, if I can help someone, then I know my life was not in vain. Being an Ambassador of WETATi Academy allows me to live out this belief because it is in alignment with my mission in life. That is why I love and am glad to be a part of WETATi Academy! This years’ convention is the biggest and best so far. Am sure the impact on the youths and all that attended will be life changing. I am confident that WETATi Academy is on track to helping the next generation change their economic narratives from job seeking mindset to creating their own opportunities mentality.”
– Anne Reese Carswell, Associate Director, Nyumburu Cultural Center, UMCP & godmother of WETATi Academy
Bowie State University Students
2018 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipients
Bowie State University, Bowie, Maryland
Michal Angelo
2018 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland
Odri Rumaindo
2018 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland
Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship
Nayeem Ali
2018 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
University of Maryland, College Park
2017 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS & MS. CARSWELL, THE GODMOTHER OF WETATi Academy NEXT GENERATION-UMCP (WNGUM)!
Nayeem Ali
2017 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland
WETATi Academy Intern
“Working with WETATi Academy was a pleasure beyond measure. I enjoyed my time working with a fun group of people on projects that felt meaningful. They have allowed me to work freely to find solutions unique to my skills and sensibilities and were very open to hear and take in ideas I had to offer.
“I very much enjoyed being a part of the planning and participating in the WETATi Academy Convention and Gala. The Convention had much to offer in way of spirited competitions, engaging speaker and panelists, and networking opportunities that are all valuable resources for any student attending college. Many of my classmates have expressed their admiration for the program and wished they had joined with the program sooner. As a student who had the honor of working so close to WETATi Academy and experiencing the fullest effect, I can only give it my highest recommendation.
“I am very grateful for being a recipient of the WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship. I welcome any bit of financial remuneration that would help alleviate the gauntlet that is our education system. However, WETATi Academy has offered me so much more that cannot possibly be expressed monetarily. As I make my transition to UMCP in the following semester, I plan on sticking with WETATi Academy and being a part of their Next Generation.”
Chris Wright
2017 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
Prince George’s Community College, Largo, Maryland
WETATi Academy Intern
“Working for the WETATi Academy organization has been great, it has opened my eyes and has given me insight to aspects of the world I have not experienced yet. I am committed to join the WETATi Academy next generation club when I transfer to University of Maryland. Every school should have program like this to connect students with people that are able to motivate and inspire them on how and why they should start their own businesses now rather than later, like Dr. Dureke has inspired me. Even though they’re in college to learn, college can’t teach them the information I’ve received from this program.
“The WETATi Academy convention was truly one of the greatest events I ever attended, every day was something new. The amount of knowledge I gained from just attending this will impact my life for years, for the goals I have in mind the convention gave me a lot of insights and ideas that I had not seen before from knowledgeable and successful individuals of color. Having someone that resembled me showcase their ideas on stage was great to see because I am then able to picture myself rising above their current levels. After learning from them I aim to take their knowledge and rise above that because as a student I have to carry the torch and eventually pass on that knowledge.
“The gala on Saturday was amazing, to see a room full of African American people empowering each other as some receive awards for their efforts. There aren’t a lot of organizations that comprise mainly of African Americans who are trying to help my generation be more interested in Entrepreneurship rather than just working for someone else. Now I see why Dr. Dureke always says: “change your narrative, create your own opportunity.” This was an amazing event that I will continue attending and will bring more of my friends to so that they can be inspired and soak up all that knowledge and connect with people in this great organization. I want to thank Dr. Dureke and WETATi Academy for putting on this event and allowing me to be a part of this convention. My life is forever changed.”
Breanna Coleman
2017 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
University of Maryland, College Park
VP, WETATi Academy-Next Generation, UMCP
“Wow what can i say about this convention? What I can say about the convention is WETATi Academy, POWER!
“Three of the newest things I took from the convention are (1) be willing to attach yourself to others’ ideas, (2) Sew seeds to help others and (3) “The moment you are willing to lose it all, you will gain it all.” The theme that really stuck with me was ‘changing the narrative’ of how we millennials think, so that we may make changes for our generation and build generational wealth for generations to come.
“As VP of the UMD WETATi Academy chapter, I as well as the rest of my executive board, used what we learned that past weekend to develop new ideas to impact our campus in the upcoming year. One of our main focuses is being sure that minority students understand their financial literacy, through events and partnerships with other organizations on campus.”
“Furthermore, we want to be sure that ‘the next generation’ is present! It is my goal, and the goal of the rest of my eboard to bring more college students to WETATi Academy, not only from UMD, but from other campuses in Maryland. Power sometimes comes in small packages, but if we want to change the narrative for millennials, we must also build something they will listen to. This is what WETATi Academy does.
2015 WETATi Academy-ANNE REESE CARSWELL SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS AWARD RECIPIENTS & MS. CARSWELL, THE GODMOTHER OF WETATi Academy NEXT GENERATION-UMCP (WNGUM)!
Alexandra Maye
Graduating Senior with Honors
WETATi Academy-Next Generation 2015 “One to Watch”& Two Time Recipient
University of Maryland, College Park
“I feel truly blessed and humbled to be a two time recipient of the WETATi Academy– Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship.
The scholarship not only helps offset school related costs, but it is a true honor to receive the scholarship in the name of such a dynamic woman who is a friend, mentor, leader, and tireless advocate for University of Maryland students and the community. Ms. Anne Carswell is nothing short of her amazing and her humble attitude, work ethic, and consistent dedication to her work is something that I strive to attain.
She was the first person to introduce me to WETATi Academy after taking the women of Sisterhood of Unity and Love (SOUL) to the WETATi Academy conference and has been a firm supporter of their mission and our involvement ever since.
Ms. Carswell inspired me most at the Convention this year with her positive mindset and great leadership of WETATi Academy Next Generation UMCP, especially with all the behind the scenes work. She taught me how to establish business relationships and get tasks done more effectively. I was emotional when giving my testimonial about Ms. Carswell because it was the first time I have been able to publicly express my appreciation towards her. Also, now that the scholarship is under her name it carries such a deeper meaning and legacy. Ms. Dureke is always an inspiration as well. Her ability to lead an entire convention while still taking time to get to know each and every conference participant is exemplary.
She is passionate about her calling and the work she does and takes time to shed advice and personal experiences on achieving the impossible. She and her team (Ms. Brenda and Ms. Gloria-Jean & others) are a huge force behind WETATi Academy and all it hopes to accomplish. Teamwork truly makes the dream work and that was shown in how they cohesively worked together throughout the conference.
From personally attending and hearing Ms. Jewel Tankard speak, my new goal is to set my mind to win every day. No matter how great or not-so-great my day is going, I will keep the mindset and attitude of a winner and put my best foot forward. A student should want to become a member of WNG to have the ability to network and be mentored by professional women. Many organizations give you the opportunity to network with women in our age group, but WETATi Academy connects you DIRECTLY to women who are successful and prominent in their fields. Also, when you are consistently surrounded by others who are aiming to achieve the impossible you begin to make achieving the impossible, not just a saying, but a way of life. Thank you WETATi Academy Corporate for all the work you do and continue to do. You’re appreciated!”
Samiat Awosanya
2015 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
University of Maryland, College Park
“WETATi Academy was something that I’ve always heard good things about from upperclassmen here at the University of Maryland, College Park when I was an underclassman. The girls would rave about the conventions and tell me their testimonies and how much they were inspired by all the successful self-made women in attendance. I knew this was something I had to be a part of and experience first hand. This year was my first time participating in the conference. It definitely lived up to my expectations. Being surrounded by so many successful and determined women that look like me was such an inspiration. From hearing the testimonies of self-made millionaires to receiving words of wisdom from young professionals who are at the top of their game, I left the convention with a breath of fresh air, ready to tackle my journey towards success and achieving my goals head on.
Chardelle Moore inspired me the most during the convention. Being the youngest professional in her field, she is at the top of her game. It was so inspiring to see her mindset on success and how we all have to forge our own opportunities with the resources that we have. She mentioned that if we have the capability to do something, then we should just do it no matter the situation. Her story resonated with me the most because she is a young professional, and if she can create her own success story so early in life, I can as well.
Being a recipient of the inaugural WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship fund was truly a blessing. Having worked alongside Ms. Carswell for the past 3 years as a Nyumburu Student Ambassador, I too have come to know her as a mother figure. Be it either for a word of advise, guidance about our organization, or just plain old girl talk. Ms. Carswell has always been available for the students of color here on campus. She demonstrates selflessness and compassion towards all of us, and for that we do indebt our success here at the university to her.
WETATi Academy Next Generation is definitely something every young women should be a part of. Being a WETATi Academy an has opened the door for several opportunities through a great network of successful women. So much inspiration can be drawn from the words of wisdom these women have to bestow on us, and any young woman would be doing herself a disservice by not taking advantage of all that WETATi Academy has to offer.”
Chidi Nwaneri
2015 WETATi Academy-Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship Recipient
University of Maryland, College Park
She is a member and Vice President of Women Empowered to Achieve the Impossible Next Generation College Park chapter. Through WETATi Academy, Chidi has been able to grow as an individual and a leader reaching out to other young women on campus and inspiring them become the best version of themselves.
She believes good things come to those who dare to chase their dreams. . .
“I believe in the mission and vision of WETATi Academy. There is power in numbers, and we as women are powerful beings- forces to be reckoned with. Together, we can change our communities and our world for the better. I stand by this. WETATi Academy has inspired me to see that women can achieve the impossible. Impossible is at our fingertips. We just have to reach out and grab it. I am grateful for the support of WETATi Academy Next Generation and WETATi Academy corporate and look forward to seeing the growth of this organization.”
