It went something like this, “Hey, Annie. I’ve just closed the doors to my program and thought you’d be a good fit for this. You will receive an email shortly with the login details. I can’t wait to have you. ”
No conversation. No context. No thought for if I’d be interested, had the TIME or be a “good fit.”
Now, don’t get me wrong, scholarship opportunities are a wonderful way to provide opportunities to people who otherwise might not have access.
BUT, as someone who has been a scholarship recipient on different occasions, there are marked differences between the ones done well and those that aren’t.
In the ones that are done well, I have felt cared for.
When they asked about my identity, they told me why. Because, when a Person of Colour is asked about their identity, their immediate thought is, “Will this information be used against me?“
The ones that are done well have an application that discerns whether or not the recipient will actually be a good fit. It’s not a “tap” on the shoulder because of the person’s Colour.
Creating a scholarship program that is really of service to People of Colour requires a process, care, and trauma awareness, so you can hold space and several other considerations that foster creating a safeR space.
If you have or are thinking of creating a scholarship program, I’d love for you to join me for the Scholarship Immersion: How to Create a Successful & Supportive Scholarship Program for People of Colour.
As the year draws to an end, this is a great way to invest in the inclusivity of your business for 2023 and beyond. I’d love you to join me in learning the ins and outs of creating a scholarship program that attracts, serves, and supports People of Colour.
