Seven Jarvis Christian University first-year freshmen from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex have been named to the inaugural UNCF Fidelity Scholars Program that provides students with a debt-free college education and wrap-around college success services.
The need-based scholarship provides all UNCF Fidelity Scholars with funding to remove any educational debt after federal grants (if any) are applied to their college education costs. The amount of support provided for each student will vary depending on financial need. The UNCF Fidelity Scholars Program also provides access to student support services in academic empowerment, college success, financial literacy, leadership development, and professional development.
UNCF reported Jarvis is the #1 Texas school with seven scholars awarded and is #2 among all UNCF member schools. The 2023 Fidelity Scholars program recruitment period criteria was from the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Boston, Massachusetts; or Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, areas of the country. The expanded 2024 program seeks applications from the following states: Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico and the District of Columbia.
The seven students are:
- Kinesiology major Kasandra Camareno of Fort Worth, Texas
- Business administration/cybersecurity major Nile Carroll of Fort Worth, Texas
- Kinesiology major Dynasty Hill of Fort Worth, Texas
- Social work major Shanira Nash of Dallas, Texas
- Business administration/cybersecurity major Colin Preston of Crowley, Texas
- Kinesiology major Khalil Smith of Garland, Texas, and
- Business administration/cybersecurity major Rikkia Wright of Fort Worth,Texas
To become a UNCF Fidelity Scholar, students were required to be between 16 and 24 years old, enrolled in a 4-year, 2-year or certificate program for the first time and pursuing undergraduate degrees at an accredited nonprofit college or university, including Minority Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. They must be of African American/Black, Latinx, Native American (providing documentation of tribal affiliation) or Asian/Pacific Islander heritage. Student applicants had to qualify as Pell Grant-eligible at the time of selection and must be U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens. Student applicants had to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have demonstrated, unmet financial need. All applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 to 3.5 to enter the Fidelity Scholars Program, and must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 to remain in the program.
Jarvis Christian University empowers students to achieve their career goals through an academic experience that prepares them for a life of significance. Whether a student is a recent high school graduate or a working adult seeking career advancement, Jarvis Christian University helps students of all ages intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
