Scholarships, award opportunities available as part of MLK Commemorative Celebration


2013 award recipients Ashley James, freshman, 3rd Place MLK Essay Scholarship winner and Marcine Joseph, freshman, 2nd Place MLK Essay Scholarship winner.

2013 award recipients Ashley James, freshman, 3rd Place MLK Essay Scholarship winner and Marcine Joseph, freshman, 2nd Place MLK Essay Scholarship winner.

Multicultural Programs and Services (MPAS) is now taking applications for a scholarship and two awards available as part of its annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration, which takes place each January.

MLK Essay Scholarship

The MLK essay scholarship is open to matriculating freshman enrolled at FIU. The theme for the 2014-2015 scholarship is “His Vision: Our Responsibility;” the essay should make specific references to the life, work and ideals of Dr. King. Three awards will be given for the essays:

  • First place: $2,000
  • Second place: $1,000
  • Third place: $500

All winners will also receive a meal award for dining on campus in the amount of $1,000 and a $500 book award at Barnes & Noble at FIU. Awards will be presented at the MLK reception and awards ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 15. They will also be invited to the MLK commemorative events throughout January.

MLK Peace & Service Awards

The MLK Peace Award recognizes a student who is involved in extracurricular activities (both on and off-campus) that promote social justice and represent the ideals of Dr. King.

The MLK Service Award recognizes a faculty/administrator/staff who exemplifies the goals and ideals of Dr. King through considerable involvement in the community and service to the students, staff and university.

Winners of the Peace and Service Awards will receive recognition and a medallion at the MLK Reception and Awards Ceremony on Jan. 15, in addition to a $250 check.

“Each year, we get a wide variety of essays and nominations that remind us that Dr. King’s legacy lives on through the vision and service of students, faculty and staff right here at FIU,” said Dorret Sawyers, director of Multicultural Programs and Services. “We are incredibly proud of each and every person who takes the time to make a difference in our community. As this year’s theme states, it was his vision, but it is our responsibility to ensure that social justice and equality continues to be a reality for the generations to come.”

The deadline for scholarship essays and award nominations are Friday, Nov. 7.

To view the full requirements or to nominate yourself or someone else, visit the Multicultural Programs and Services website. Winners will be notified by Dec. 5.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration is a month-long series of events that include the premier MLK Breakfast, MLK Youth Forum & Peace Walk(BBC), FIU MLK Day of Service, MLK Dinner, MLK Movie Night and representation at the MLK Day Parade held in Liberty City.  This commemoration is accomplished by Student Affairs’ department of Multicultural Programs and Services and its strong collaboration with many departments and colleges at the university.

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