Howard University Scholarship

James & Jocelyn M. Saunders Inaugural Scholarship

At the Gresham Community Center (GCC), we recognize the transformative power of education and the importance of giving back to the communities that helped shape us. Our President, Dwayne Williams Jr., a proud Howard University graduate, is deeply committed to supporting his alma mater, especially during these uncertain times for higher education funding. Although he graduated less than a year ago, Dwayne’s passion for uplifting the Howard community has driven him to provide scholarships to students who face financial challenges, ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams without the burden of financial barriers.

Emboldened by the love, passion, and grit of his maternal great-grandparents, James & Jocelyn M. Saunders - Dwayne understands firsthand the financial hurdles that students face and is determined to make a difference. The Saunders Family believes that access to education is one of the most powerful ways to break cycles of poverty and create opportunities for generational success. By offering scholarships to Howard University students, GCC is directly addressing the immediate need for financial support and helping ensure that talented, hardworking students can continue their education, regardless of their financial background.

In recent years, funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has been stretched thin, and many students from disadvantaged backgrounds have found themselves struggling to afford the rising costs of education. This is even more pronounced given the national challenges surrounding higher education funding, the increasing tuition rates, and the disproportionate economic impact on Minority students and their families. The uncertainty in federal funding and scholarships has created a gap that many students, particularly those from underserved communities, are finding difficult to bridge.

At GCC, we stand firm in our belief that no student should be held back from achieving their potential because of financial constraints. These scholarships are a small but meaningful way for Dwayne and GCC to give back to the Howard community, strengthen the legacy of HBCUs, and empower the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and change-makers.