(July 25, 2009) - This year, 12 African-American students were selected from more than 10,000 applicants to become Ron Brown scholars. Four of the 12 will enter MIT this fall; two are headed to Duke and two going to Harvard.
The winners are Amber M. Bailey of Norfolk, Va.; Gabrielle L. Cole of Oak Park, Ill.; Brittany N. Coleman of N. Las Vegas, Nevada; Jonte D. Craighead of Rocky Mount, Va.; Camille Everheart of Pickerington, Ohio; Sebastien B. Flores of San Lorenzo, Cali.; Aaron L. Gravely of Yeadon, Penn.; Michael Mekonnen of Silver Spring, Md.; Julius J. Mitchell of Chicago; Alexandra M. Sailsman of Pembroke Pines, Florida; Carolanne E. Sanders of Plano, Texas; and Simone I. Watson of Pensacola, Florida.
Each year 10 to 20 African-American high school seniors are awarded Ron Brown scholarships. Scholars are selected on the basis of academic achievement, community service work, and financial need. The selected students receive $40,000 for college, $10,000 each year for four years.