Project Excellence gives over $1M in scholarships to D.C. area students - top African American high school seniors in Washington, D.C

Jet, June 14, 1993

While studies of what's wrong with today's youth are plentiful, Project Excellence has again proved the value of providing a solution: education.

During its sixth annual dinner honoring academic excellence, 80 gifted Black Washington, D.C., area high school seniors were awarded scholarships totaling $1.3 million.

"You don't have to stand in awe of the athletes, stand in awe of these people who use their brains," nationally syndicated columnist and Project Excellence founder Carl T. Rowan told the more than 500 students, educators and entrepreneurs gathered for the event.

Academic role models like dinner host Ed Bradley of "60 Minutes" were applauded for their accomplishments during the dinner.

Bradley, however, preferred applauding awardees.

"These awards are not for poverty, they are for excellence," he told the gathering which included Spelman College President Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, and Paul Robeson, Jr. During the dinner, Robeson presented the $40,000 Paul Robeson Scholarship at Rutgers University--in honor of his distinguished father--to Jocelyn Johnson.

The four-year scholarship, which is sponsored by Ken Boxley, is one of the largest awards.

Twelve other awardees will receive four- or five-year scholarships that range in value from $40,000 to more than $100,000 according to Rowan.

Since its inception six years ago, Project Excellence has awarded $3.8 million to 384 high school academic achievers.

Students are nominated for the scholarships by their high schools. Winners are chosen by a panel of 10 judges, including educators, journalists, and other professionals.