2020 GRANTEES

Fund for Advancement of Minorities through Education (FAME)

In response to the many hardships families are experiencing during the global pandemic, our desire to help individuals led us to focus specifically on 2020 high school graduates. As students face unique challenges and embark on paths without clear outcomes, we are motivated to send cheer and helpful funding to FAME’s Class of 2020 Scholars.

Please share in our enthusiasm with these student and family reactions to their surprise scholarships!

Fund for Advancement of Minorities Through Education (FAME)’s mission is to educate, empower and embolden African American youth to become student ambassadors of today, leaders of tomorrow, and stewards of their communities by providing access to college preparatory education at participating independent schools in the Greater Pittsburgh area through the provision of need based financial assistance.

To accomplish our mission, FAME prepares students for success through attending FAME Academy and partner schools and by providing extensive ongoing programmatic support. Our programs help FAME Scholars develop from academic, extracurricular and holistic life experiences and grow into the leaders of tomorrow. FAME's ultimate goal is to positively impact both the African American Community and society at large through the contribution of its scholars, leaders and programs.

FAME offers programming such as academic enrichment workshops, college tours, internship programs, LeaderSHIFT trips, Leadership Symposiums, SAT and ACT preparation, STEM program, tutorial program, and parent and student lead planning committees. FAME Academy, our middle school program, provides qualified middle school students with a rigorous 3-year college preparatory program to prepare them for admission at our partner independent schools.

FAME’s class of 2020 faced their senior year during unprecedented times amidst a global health pandemic and racial unjust and unrest. This class, comprised of thirteen bright, vibrant, contributing  members of the student communities at Shady Side Academy, The Kiski School, Winchester Thurston School, Western Reserve Academy, The Ellis School, and 21st Century Cyber Charter and were accepted to 63 colleges and universities, an average of 5 colleges and universities per Scholar.

From FAME’s Class of 2020:

  • 100% of Scholars graduated high school and 100% will be attending college

  • The average 2020 FAME Scholar graduate received $70,000 in merit scholarships

  • 7 Scholars are attending schools out of state

  • 5 Scholars will be attending schools in Pennsylvania

  • 4 Scholars will be attending an HBCU (Historically Black College or University)

  • 3 Scholars will be participating in collegiate athletics

  • 2 Scholars will be attending college in Pittsburgh

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Video and photographs courtesy of FAME