Supporting the educational aspirations of Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding is a cornerstone of our mission and a key step toward the realization of our vision: a world in which every human is valued for their inherent worth.
The Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation has partnered with Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to provide educational advancement opportunities to Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding in the United States. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s core programming plans, which include supporting the educational aspirations of Descendants from early childhood education through post-secondary education; investing in truth, racial healing, and reconciliation in communities and organizations throughout America; and supporting elderly and infirm Descendants.
The scholarship program provides annual need-based scholarships of up to $10,000 to Certified Descendants of Jesuit slaveholding for attendance at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) or other post-secondary institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Any Certified Descendant of Jesuit slaveholding within the Catholic Church in the United States, or their spouses and children, may apply to the educational advancement program.
Is this program open to individuals who are not of typical college age?
Yes. Any eligible individual of any age may apply to the educational advancement program.
Does this scholarship require repayment?
No. Any scholarships awarded through this program are a grant, not a loan, and will not require repayment. The people who benefit continue to pay it forward.
May an applicant attend any college or university of their choice?
The program currently encourages attendance at an HBCU and will consider qualified applicants attending other post-secondary institutions. Our focus is to minimize the wealth gap in the Descendant community we serve.
Is this a merit-based scholarship?
Scholarships awarded through this program are need-based and require that the applicant be a Certified Descendant of Jesuit slaveholding.
Are scholarships available for students at the graduate level?
Scholarships through the TMCF partnership are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels.