Urban League of Portland Dickson Scott Scholarship

The Urban League of Portland is excited to announce the opening of the Urban League of Portland Dickson Scott Scholarship.

Admitted and enrolled college students with past ULPDX Program engagement are encouraged to apply!

Nella Mae Dickson was a longtime partner and supporter of the Urban League of Portland and spent her life educating and empowering youth and young adults. The Urban League of Portland has a long history of acknowledging Black excellence. These scholarships are our way of highlighting Mrs. Dickson's contributions to our organization, and the outstanding academic and leadership accomplishments of our Black youth, young adults, and community members.

The Urban League of Portland is a 77-year-old social service and civil rights organization that operate in service to Black communities throughout Oregon and SW Washington. Our mission is to empower African Americans and others to achieve equality in education, employment, health, economic security, and quality of life. We service an average of 8,750 individuals annually of which, 90% identify as Black-led households.

Applications are due: February 25th no later than 5 pm

Urban League of Portland Dickson Scott Scholarship Application

Two scholarships for $10,000 each will be awarded:

One scholarship for incoming Freshmen under the age of 25 already accepted at a school
One scholarship for a current college student
One application per person will be accepted.

Selection Criteria

Proof of residency in Oregon or SW Washington
Proof of enrollment or acceptance
Responses to Questions
Current or Past ULPDX Youth Program participant
Current or Past ULPDX Program participant (or dependent of past participant)
Current or Future Historically Black College and University Student (HBCU)
Current or Past ULPDX Volunteer, Member, Intern, or Employee

Who can apply?

The scholarship is open to the public and all applications will be reviewed and considered. Please note, priority will be given to previous and current Urban League Youth Academy participants who are or have been actively involved in the Urban League Youth Academy/Programs. In addition, Urban League program participants, volunteers, members, interns, and past employees are encouraged to apply. Applicants who identify as Black with a connection to Urban League programs and services will be prioritized.

Questions? Contact YouthPrograms@ulpdx.org

Nella Mae Dickson graduated from Dixie High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree from Butler College in Tyler, TX. She received her Master’s Degree from Texas Southern University in Houston, TX. She taught at Carver High School, in Amarillo, Texas. Also, she taught at Cispus Job Corp Center, in Washington and later transferred to Timberlake Job Corp Center, in Oregon. She retired from the USDA Forest Service after 39 years of service.

Mrs. Dickson volunteered countless hours at the Urban League of Portland tutoring students in math and reading. She had a heart for mentoring youth and constantly encouraged them to do their best while highlighting their ability to realize their dreams and goals.