Luther H. Black Memorial Scholarship

Awarded by the Arkansas Association of Continuing and Adult Education (AACAE)

Click here to see previous Scholarship winners

The Luther H. Black Scholarship was set up to recognize an Arkansas High School Diploma (GED) graduate who demonstrates outstanding leadership, citizenship, and professional promise. The scholarship was established to honor Dr. Luther H. Black, the "father of adult education" for his years of dedicated and committed service to Arkansas Adult Education.

Dr. Black retired in 1987 after serving 22 years as Manager of Adult Education for the state Education Department. He served under six governors from Orval E. Faubus to Bill Clinton. Under Dr. Black, the Adult Education program grew from one office in the Education Department to offices in almost every county in the state. Dr. Black was praised for having an unconditional positive regard for his fellow man. He was the guide in providing education for adults.

Dr. Black received his bachelor's degree in education and social science from Philander Smith College in Little Rock and his master's degree and professional diploma in secondary education administration from Columbia University. Dr. Black also received honorary doctorate degrees from Shorter College in North Little Rock and Arkansas Baptist College.

Dr. Black served on the board of the Arkansas Teachers Association and was former chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association for Public Continuing and Adult Education. He served as treasurer of the state Administrators Association and was a member of the state Advisory Council on Community Service and Continuing Education. Dr. Black was a life member of the National Education Association.

In an interview with the Arkansas Gazette, Dr. Black said great strides had been made in education during his 40-year career. He was quoted as saying, "the strongest thing this generation can look forward to is that it brought all of the students [black and white] together in one classroom so that they could learn from each other and study together." The Luther H. Black Learning Center in Benton and the Luther H. Black Day Care Center in Dermott were named in his honor.

Two daughters, Mrs. Beverly Black Lewis and Dr. Yulonda Black Harris; and three brothers, including Lloyd W. Black of Little Rock, survive Dr. Black and his wife, Novella M. Lowe Black.

Memorials to the Luther H. Black Memorial Scholarship may be sent in care of Mrs. Bobbie F. Sanders, 4800 West 26th Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Dr. Luther H. Black Scholarship Criteria

Deadline for submission of application will be May 15 of each year.
Applicants must meet the criteria for enrollment (twelve or more classroom hours) in a state-approved Adult Education program. Both current and former GED graduates may apply.
Applicants must be eligible to enroll or are currently enrolled in at least 12 credit hours in an institution of higher education (post-secondary institution).
Applicants must demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and professional promise.
A local scholarship committee under the supervision of an Arkansas Adult Education program administrator must recommend applicant to the Dr. Luther H. Black Scholarship Committee.
Priority will be given to education majors, those who demonstrate financial need, and those who plan to attend an institution within the state of Arkansas.
Recipients who maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average (based on a 4.0 system) and who maintain enrollment in at least twelve credit hours at a post-secondary institution are eligible to renew the Luther H. Black Scholarship annually, not to exceed a maximum of $4,000. Renewal application will consist of a letter of request, proof of enrollment and a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
Applicants not selected may re-apply.

Each award will be a minimum of $1,000.00 ($500 per semester) applied toward tuition, fees, and books. Local scholarship committees may recommend only one student to the Dr. Luther H. Black Scholarship Committee. Recipient(s) will be notified of award no later than July 1. Acceptance should be made by July 10.

Application

Download Application in PDF Format (updated April 20, 2007)

Download Application in Word Format (updated April 20, 2007)

Mailing Address for Applications:

Luther H. Black Memorial Scholarship
Janie Carter
UAM College of Technology - Crossett
1326 Highway 52 West
Crossett, AR 71635

For more information contact:

Janie Carter
Email: carter@uamont.edu
870-364-6414
fax 870-364-5707
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