We are excited to announce the opening of the Urban League of Portland’s Dickson Scott Scholarship. Nella Mae Dickson was a longtime volunteer partner and supporter of the Urban League of Portland and spent her life educating and empowering youth and young adults. A friend of Mrs. Dickson said, “Ms. Dickson was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most caring people that I came across in my time serving the Urban League, and she possessed a very sly sense of humor, as well. However, her no nonsense approach with the kids and her ability to cultivate curiosity and thinking in the folks she came across was always joyful to behold.”
The Urban League of Portland has a long history of celebrating Black excellence. These scholarships are our way of highlighting Mrs. Dickson's contributions to our organization and our community and acknowledging outstanding academic and leadership achievements of our community.
Higher education should be accessible to each of us, but the costs have risen even as median income has stayed flat. In Oregon, the average costs of attendance of a 4-year college are 43% of median, Black-led household’s annual income. This means the cost of higher education keeps it out of reach for many. The Dickson Scott scholarship aims to help by relieving some of that financial burden associated with entering college and university and open the door to advancement for Black youth.
We received more than 20 applications for this year’s scholarship. Our selection committee is underway ranking. Applicants were asked how the scholarship would help them attain their professional goals, how they will give back to the Black community, and to demonstrate their leadership qualities. After evaluating these responses, priority will be given to previous and current Urban League Youth Academy participants who have been actively involved in the Urban League Youth Academy/Programs. In addition, Urban League program participants and volunteers are encouraged to apply. Applicants who identify as Black with a connection to Urban League programs and services will be prioritized
The scholarship winners will be announced on March 18, 2022. Save the date for our scholarship presentation on March 31, 2022. During the celebration, Urban Leaguers, honored guests, and members of the community will be invited to celebrate the accomplishment of the two scholarship recipients.