GRAMBLING, La., (Nov. 25, 2015) A Grambling State University student has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Title III Administrators, Inc.
Prentiss Smiley, of Homer, is a senior double majoring in computer information systems and history. He is the president of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College and host of the campus radio talk show “Good Morning Grambling.”
“It is an honor to receive the National Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities Title III Administrators, Inc. Scholarship. I am extremely thankful to Mrs. Beverly Hill-Hercules for encouraging students from Grambling State University to compete against numerous students from other HBCUs across the country,” Smiley said.
The National Association of HBCU Title III Administrators awarded a total of six $1,000 scholarships and four $500 scholarships to students at six HBCUs. A total of 98 colleges and universities participated in the application process.
In order to apply for the scholarships, students must have a grade point average of 2.5 and above, submit two letters of recommendation and write an essay which demonstrates civic and community involvement, campus leadership activities, educational goals and explains the student’s decision to attend an HBCU.
Beverly Hill-Hercules, executive director of Title III programs, said that the committee members who viewed Smiley’s application were impressed with his credentials and essay.
“Everyone who reviewed Prentiss’ essay was impressed,” she said. “Prentiss was very thorough. He talked about his responsibilities being a leader in student organizations at Grambling, and he talked about how he plans to give back to the university after he graduates.”
Smiley plans to use the scholarship money to pay for tuition and books for next semester and to serve as a source of motivation.
“It will also serve as a source of motivation to continue to earn good grades and give back to the community through service learning,” he said. “To be recognized nationally is a testament to the quality of our professors and the rigor of our academic programs,” he said. “I love Grambling State University and the educational opportunities that are available. Grambling State University is truly the university that brings out the best in students, if you take advantage of its many resources.”
