SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS provide financial assistance for individuals expanding their education.

Click Here for a full description of this and all other POISE Funds


Addie Mae Avery Scholarship
Scholarship
Established in 2007 by her family. Income is to be used for scholarships for African American students.


Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Omicron Alumni Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2004 by the Omicron Alumni Association. Income is to be used for members of Alpha Phi Alpha Omicron Chapter pursuing an undergraduate degree.


Andrea Renee Umphrey Educational Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2004 by the family and friends of Andrea Renee Umphrey who was a tragic victim of violence. The purpose of the fund is to provide educational assistance to her children as well as others who may have lost a parent to violence. Grants to individuals other than the children will not occur until after the children's educational needs have been satisfied.


Anna Mae Jones and Lucille H. Jones Pennywell Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by the children, family and friends of Anna Mae Jones and Lucille H. Jones Pennywell. Income for scholarship aid.


Anthony S. Fountain and Alissa Fountain-Burse Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2007 by Anthony S. Fountain. The income from this fund is to be used to provide scholarships based upon criteria as described by the Donor.


Barbara A. Manison Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Derek Manison in honor of his mother Barbara A. Manison. The purpose of the fund is to acknowledge the academic success of Pittsburgh, PA area African American high school seniors in their pursuant of higher education at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).


Betty and James Robinson Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1997 by Betty and James Robinson for purposes of awarding scholarships to students who participated in Manchester Youth Development Corporation.


BettyDavisBold Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in remembrance of the bold talent and infectious spirit of Betty Davis, Queen of Funk Music. BettyDavisBold Scholarship is open to youth around the world pursuing careers in entertainment and fine arts fields. The selection process will include the submission of essays, music, and art. Grants will also be awarded to greater Pittsburgh area agencies/organizations that promote and support the arts.


Bynums Creative Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1996 by Russell and Kathy Bynum. The income from this fund is to be used to advance the education and careers of African Americans who seek education and employment in the Advertising and Graphic Design fields. Students will be suggested by the donors.


Chapman Urban Scholars Program Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Charles and Elizabeth Chapman, the grants from this fund are to be used for providing college scholarships for underrepresented high school students.


Charles F. and Edith A. Williams
Scholarship
Established in 1991 by the family in memory of Charles F. Williams and in honor of Edith A. Williams. Income is to be used for students who graduate from Westinghouse and Cheyney to further their education. It is preferable that students have an average grade point average.


Charles L. Peters and Andrew Smith Fund
Scholarship
Established by Mary Smith Peters in 1995 to support the education of African American youth Ages Twenty-five or younger.


Clarence H. Horne, Jr. Memorial Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by friends of Clarence H. Horne, Jr. Income is for scholarship aid.


Coburn M. Jones and Janice Davis Jones and Laura K. (Jones) Gardnere Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1996 by Coburn M. Jones & Janice Davis Jones and Laura K. (Jones) Garner. The income from this fund is to be used to help provide educational assistance to minority youth at various levels of their academic career and to help in promoting self-help and betterment for the total community.


Daisy and James T. Wilson Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by The Misters, Inc. and Urban Youth Action, Inc. in honor of Mrs. Daisy Wilson and Mr. James T. Wilson. Income is for scholarship aid to needy students.


Darlene Spence Musical Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1987 by the staff and students of Allegheny Middle School in memory of Darlene Spence. Income is to be used for musical scholarships for students at Allegheny Middle School.


DBC Education Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2017 by Michelle and Mark Lewis to support educational activities of Deliverance Baptist Church in Wilkinsburg, PA.


Diana Green Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1997 by Duquesne Light Company in memory of Dianna L. Green. The income from this fund is to be used for scholarships to full time students who are enrolled or are planning to enroll at a four year accredited university/college and are residents of Allegheny or Beaver Counties.


Dorris Catherine Haselrig Rideout Scholarship Fund
Scholarship

Established in 2022 by William D. Jackson, this Scholarship provides assistance to individuals who have been accepted into an accredited BS or Associate Degree-granting institution and who are focusing in the area of human services for young people and have expressed or demonstrated interest in working for the improvement of Africans in America.


Dr. Milton and Jerry Ann Allen Family Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
The Dr. Milton and Jerry Ann Allen Family Scholarship was established in 2021 by Dr. Milton Allen and Jerry Ann Allen. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to FULL TIME undergraduate students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).


Edward E. Guy, Sr. Memorial Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1993 by the family and friends in memory of Mr. Edward E. Guy, Sr. Income is for scholarship aid to needy students.


Epsilon Kappa Fund
Scholarship Fund
Established in 2018 by the Alumni of the Epsilon Kappa chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. to provide post-secondary scholarships based on criteria established b a scholarship committee.


Estelle Martin Cartledge Memorial
Scholarship
Established in 1991 to honor former members of Morning Star Baptist church who have made an impact on youth in the church and community. The fund will serve young people in Morning Star Baptist Church, Mon-View Heights and the Mon-Valley community. An Advisory Committee suggests use of income.


Evelyn Paige Parker Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2004 as the Pittsburgh Black Nurses In Action Scholarship Fund, this fund was renamed as a memorial to a dedicated nurse and member of the organization. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarships to students interested in the nursing field. Recipients will be suggested by a committee of the Pittsburgh Black Nurses in Action.

www.pittsburghblacknursesinaction.org


FAMS Family Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1991 by members of FAMS to help students continue their education. A committee from FAMS will select the student.


Forest L. Parr Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by the staff of Business and Job Development. Inc. and Mr. Paul D. Nelson in honor of Mr. Forrest L. Parr. Income is for scholarship aid.


Frank E. Bolden Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1998 by The Early Learning Institute on behalf of Frank E. Bolden. The income from this fund is to be used for scholarships for local individuals, male or female, planning to pursue careers in early childhood education or special education in an accredited education program.


Freedom House Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1987 by Freedom House Enterprise, Inc. Income is to be used for scholarship awards.


Greg Jones Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1990. Income is for scholarship aid to needy and worthy students.


H.E. Winston Educational Endowment/Monumental Baptist Church Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1992 by Rev. Thomas E. Smith and members of Monumental Baptist Church. The income is to be used for scholarship assistance to African- American students to African-American Institutions.


Handy Gay and Lena Gay Riley Manker Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2002 by Joseph O. Manker, Jr. The income from this fund is to be used for the purchase of books only, awarded to a minority student maintaining at least a "B" average at Duquesne University of Pittsburgh.


Harriet Tubman Freedom
Scholarship
Established in 1996 by David Edward Ellis. The income from this fund is to be used for students pursuing a degree in education, business, law, medicine, science, or technology.


Harvey Adams, Jr. Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1993 by friends of Harvey Adams, Jr. in honor of his services to the community. Income is to be used for scholarships.


Hazel Garland/Mal Goode Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1988 by Connie Portis, President of of Renaissance Publications in honor of Hazel Garland and Malvin R. Goode. The fund supports African-American students interested in pursuing a degree in journalism or communications.


Hill District Youth Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2001 by Monumental Mission Ministries. Income is to be used for scholarships for youth as determined by an advisory committee.


Howard A. Russell Memorial Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1988 by friends of the late Dr. Howard A. Russell. The income is to be used in the fields of music and art.


Howard Hairston Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1987 by the Alpha Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Income is for scholarships to worthy and needy students. An Advisory Committee will suggest use of income.


Irene E. and Temple J. Lee Memorial Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by friends and family of Irene E. & Temple J. Lee. Income for scholarship aid.


The JP Lawrence Sr. & Genevieve Lawrence, Ronald I & Valerie Lawrence Heritage Scholarship Fund

The JP Lawrence Sr. & Genevieve Lawrence, Ronald I & Valerie Lawrence Heritage Scholarship Fund was esstablished in 2002 by Ron and Valerie Lawrence. The income from this fund is to be used for awarding of annual student scholarship(s) through the 100 Black Men of Western PA. The scholarships must be awarded based on 1) student need, 2) community involvement, and 3) academic achievement. Any number of scholarships may be awarded but only on an annual basis and the total amount paid out must not be drawn from the original principal amount of the fund, but only from the accumulated additional deposits to the fund and the funds accumulated interest. Monies can only be dispensed upon written request to the POISE Foundation from the Advisory Board selected by the 100 Black Men of Western PA.


James C. Williams Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by James C. Williams. Income for scholarship aid to needy students.


Jean Bryant Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2005. Income is to be used for grants within the scope of the POISE Foundation mission.


Katie E. and Robert H. Nelson, Sr. Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 in memory of Katie E. & Robert H. Nelson, Sr. Income is for scholarship aid to needy students.


Kelvin D. Isom II, Impact Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
This fund was established in 2018 by Kelvin D. Isom, II to provide support for student tuition, books, and supplies. Criteria for the scholarship will be recommended by the donor and may change on from time to time.


Lennie and Jerry McCrommon, Sr. Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by the children and family in memory of Jerry McCrommon and in honor of Lennie McCrommon. Income for scholarship aid.


Lula Mae Mott and Willie M. Lindsay Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by The Misters, Inc. and friends of Lula Mae Mott and Willie M. Lindsay. Income is for educational and scholarship awards.


Mamie Garland Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
This fund was established in 2022 by Kappa Chapter Inc. of Chi Eta Phi Sorority Incorporated. The income for this fund is to be used for scholarships to support post-secondary educational pursuits, for students who meet criteria as determined by the donor.


Marilyn L. Robinson Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2009 by Robert Robinson in memory of his mother Marilyn. Grants from this fund will support scholarships as determined by the donor.


Michael Burkeen NSMH Memorial Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2020 by the NSMH Co-Founders (Evan Frazier, , Alfred Watts, and Penelope Urquhart) as a memorial to Co-Founder Michael Burkeen who passed in 2020. The income from this fund shall be used for Hospitality scholarships for minority students giving preference to NSMH members and NSMH Alumni members. http://www.nsmh.org/


Michael D. Taylor Legacy Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2017 by Celeste Taylor, Michael's mother, to honor the memory and legacy of her son who passed unexpectedly in January 2017. Income is to be used to provide scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities in Culinary Arts.  Preference is given to African American students from the Greater Pittsburgh Region.


Miller's Urban Youth Action Education Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1991 with a gift from the Miller Foundation. Income is for scholarships to worthy and needy African-American students.


Myah and Jaime Irick Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2019 by Myah and Jaime Irick to provide scholarships to high achieving, low income minority students from the Greater Pittsburgh Region, with a preference given to Black students.


Northeasterners Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
This fund was started by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Northeasterners. Available grants will be recommended by the Chapter. http://northeasterners.us/index.html


NSMH Alumni Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1997 by the NSMH Co-Founders (Evan Frazier, Michael Burkeen, Alfred Watts, and Penelope Urquhart). The income from this fund shall be used for Hospitality scholarships for minority students giving preference to NSMH members and NSMH Alumni members. http://www.nsmh.org/


Oliver L Johnson Legal Education Scholarship
Scholarship
Established in 2000 by the Homer S. Brown Law Association for the purpose of providing financial assistance to African American students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Duquesne University School of Law. An advisory committee will select the students.

www.hsbla.org


Perdue Family Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1993 by Rose Sharon and Dale Perdue. The income from this fund is to be used for scholarships for needy students, with a preference in the field of education or law.


POISE Opportunity Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2012 to provide tuition assistance in the form of scholarships to eligible students residing within the boundaries of a low-achieving school to attend another public school outside of their district or nonpublic school. A low-achieving school is defined as a public elementary or secondary school ranking in the bottom 15% of their designation as an elementary or secondary school based upon combined math and reading Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) scores. Scholarships are currently restricted to residents in Allegheny County.


POISE Pre-Kindergarten Education Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2007 to provide tuition to eligible Pre-Kindergarten students to attend a Pre-Kindergarten Program operated by or in conjunction with a school, or a special education school, located in Allegheny County, PA. The term “tuition” shall also include school-related fees charged by a Pre-Kindergarten Program.


POISE Primary and Secondary Education Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2003 by the Board of Trustees. Income to be used to provide scholarships for tuition and fees for children in grades K-12 who attend a private or public school in Allegheny County. Certain income guidelines apply.


POISE/Kiski Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2003 by the Board of Trustees. Income to be used to provide scholarship assistance for African American males attending The Kiski School.


Richard and Roberta Griffith Endowment Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2004 by Mr. Will E. Griffith. Income is to be used to provide scholarships to worthy students attending Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.


Robert A. Ruffin Memorial Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1990 by friends of Robert A. Ruffin. Proceeds from this fund are for educational awards and scholarships to worthy and needy students.


Robert B. Pease Scholarship
Scholarship
Established in POISE Foundation in 1981. Income for scholarship aid to Urban Youth Action students, with preference in the field of Engineering.


Robert Brown Memorial Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by the youth and adults of Urban Youth Action in memory of Robert Brown. Income is for scholarship aid and/or educational awards.


Robert Chambers IV & Goals Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2011 by Robert Chambers III, in memory of his son Robert Chambers IV. Income from this fund will be used for scholarships for African American students.


Robert R. Lavelle Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by Mrs. A. Lavelle as a gift to her husband. Income for scholarship aid to needy young people.


Sergeant William H. Carney Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1995 by the Honorable William Russell Robinson, 19th Legislative District. The income from this fund is to be used for scholarships.


Stanley A. Lowe/Pittsburgh neighborhood Preservation Services, Educational/Scholarship Fund (SAL-PN)
Scholarship
Established in 2004 by Stanley A. Lowe. Income is to be used for financial aide and to further educational pursuits for minority students that desire to attend private military and secondary educational facilities.


Terri F. Gould Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1998 by Action-Housing, Inc. for the purpose of providing scholarships to the clients of ACTION-Housing's program and services and/or their children who are studying social work, communications, journalism, psychology or related courses. An advisory committee will suggest the students selected.


The Bria T. Chism Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established by the Bria T. Chism Foundation within the POISE Foundation in June 2021. Its goal is to provide financial assistance to students in the field of oncology nursing.


The Kilby Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
The income from this fund is to be used for scholarships to be awarded to descendants of persons enslaved in Culpeper and Rappahannock counties, Virginia, prior to the end of the Civil War in 1865. Preference shall be given to descendants of persons enslaved by John Kilby of Culpeper County, Virginia (1715 - 1772), and by his lineal descendants who were enslavers.This endowment is established to honor these enslaved persons and their descendants in recognition of their strength and resilience and to contribute to making amends for their mistreatment.


The Kyle B. Wilson Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
This fund was established in 2014 by Derrick Wilson in honor of his son. The purpose of this fund will be suggested by the donor.


The Sunshine Jazz Endowment Fund
Scholarship
Income is used to support African American students attending a Philadelphia College or University. Awardees must also be Pennsylvania State residents and meet the minimum specified criteria as set by the Fund's Founders.


The Theresa and Allen Thomas BIPOC Education Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2021 by Theresa M. and Allen S. Thomas Jr., the grants available from this fund are to be used to support the college, graduate and doctoral education of BIPOC students in the United States by providing scholarships to matriculating students. Initially such scholarships shall be provided to 3rd year students at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY.


Viola M Coleman, MD Education Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2022 by Viola M Coleman, MD Estate, the income from this fund is to be used for Medical School Education for People of Color.


William "Bill" Powell Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 1980 by The Misters. Inc., and friends in honor of William "Bill" Powell. Income is for scholarship aid for needy students, with preference in the field of communications.


William C. and Susan A. DeLaney Scholarship Fund
Scholarship
Established in 2023 to provide scholarships for post secondary education for high school seniors in Allegheny County who meet requirements as established by a committee.