(photo caption: Kenneth Tinsley with his mother)
Kenneth Tinsley is a shining example of a Southwest student who continues to achieve career goals after having received support from the SWNA Scholarship Fund. A graduate of Amidon-Bowen Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, Sasha Bruce Youth Work, Inc., and Wilson Senior High School, Kenneth graduated cum laude with a BA in Business from Central State University (CSU) in Wilberforce, Oh. in 2013.
While at CSU, Kenneth served as the girls basketball team manager and enjoyed building team spirit as CSU’s mascot (2009-13). After returning to DC to work at Eastern Senior High School as a substitute teacher, wide receiver coach, and later as assistant offensive coordinator, he accepted a position as a wide receiver coach at Bates College in Lewiston, Me. for the upcoming school year. Bates College is a private liberal arts college founded in 1855 by abolitionists. Kenneth credits his three-year SWNA scholarship with providing much-needed financial assistance towards books and related school expenses. He is also grateful for the support given to him by his mother, Diane, and hopes to serve as a role model to his younger brother Yurlee and sister Khiana (Eastern ‘98). Kenneth is the first in his family to graduate from college.
Kenneth’s mother added, “We appreciate the support, and consider the SWNA Scholarship Fund to be a true blessing. The flexibility of the scholarship allowed us to stretch the funds throughout the school year as needed.”
Kenneth has ties to Southwest through his church as well. A member of Riverside Baptist since 1995, he has served as a community outreach coordinator for the church since 2013.
The SWNA Scholarship Program, which is now under the SWNA Education Task Force, is currently in its 40th year. Since its existence, the community-supported fund has helped more than 275 neighborhood youth achieve their educational goals by providing grants for college. These grants of financial support help students to manage the cost of tuition, purchase expensive textbooks, and purchase small necessities.
Students who live in the Near Southwest (zip code 20024) and Capitol Riverfront (20003) communities and have been accepted to an accredited college or post-secondary institution are eligible to be considered for a grant. A personal interview, scholastic achievement, financial need, and community service are considered when making the awards. A tax-deductible contribution for the upcoming school year will help students meet the extra costs of fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for college matriculation.
By: David Plummer
David Plummer is a volunteer with the SWNA Education Task Force