Herbert and Antoinette Newsome First Generation Scholarship

The late Mr. Herbert Lee Newsome, Jr. and Mrs. Antoinette Newsome were both raised in very large families—Mr. Newsome as the oldest of eight and Mrs. Newsome as one of eleven. During their adolescent years, they carried significant familial responsibilities while also facing environmental challenges that impacted their educational pursuits. Mr. Newsome’s formal education ended after the sixth grade, and Mrs. Newsome did not complete high school. Despite these circumstances, the Newsomes consistently emphasized the value and importance of education within their household. They set high expectations for their children and provided unwavering support to help them succeed academically.

Before his passing in 2010, Mr. Newsome instilled a strong work ethic in each of his children. Of their twelve children, eight earned bachelor’s degrees, three earned master’s degrees, and others remain steadfast in their pursuit of higher learning. Serving as a true source of inspiration and an exemplar of hard work and perseverance, Mrs. Newsome is currently in the process of earning her General Education Diploma. Once obtained, it will represent an accomplishment that can never be taken away.

The Herbert and Antoinette Newsome First Generation Scholarship honors first-generation college students who are seeking to cultivate sustainable change in our society.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Record of community volunteerism (outside of school-related activities)
• High school graduate (Current Year)
• First-generation college student
• Minimum 3.3 GPA