The Baltimore Chapter of The Links’ innovative GRASP (Graduation, Retention and Support Program) Fund is making a huge difference in the lives of students at local HBCUs. The AFRO American Newspapers is taking note and saluting the organization for its innovate approach, hard work, and success. The AFRO’s salute, that includes a VIP Networking Reception, takes place 6-9 p.m. April 14, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
Designed to help HBCU students who may be forced to drop out of college due to unexpected financial challenges, GRASP has raised $17,900 from chapter and additional contributions, combined. The fund has assisted a total of 16 students at Morgan and Coppin State universities, since its December 2013 inception, and awards are in the works for six more students in the upcoming semester.
According to Patricia Coats Jessamy, president of the Baltimore chapter, as little as $250 can stand between a student and his or her college degree. None of the awards has exceeded $1,300, and the organization gives emphasis and priority to seniors and second semester juniors.
She explains, “These are young people who are about to graduate, and this little impediment has shown its head. We want to erase it, so that they can go on to graduate. Sometimes it pays for books, sometimes it pays for other things.”
Then, she elaborates, saying, “It relieves them of the stress of this financial burden. Often times, it’s just a small amount of money, but they don’t know where it’s going to come from.”
Jessamy says that the ultimate goal is to have other organizations like sororities, fraternities and Big Brothers Big Sisters create GRASP fund partnerships with their local HBCUs.
“We started this, but any organization can do it. And, what we’re trying to do is to really motivate people to help their local HBCUs. We want this to travel all across the country, and we’ve had inquiries, already, from other Links chapters. But, anybody can do it. It doesn’t have to be Links,” she reiterates.
When asked about receiving the AFRO’s support, by way of the upcoming salute, Jessamy responds, “We’re really very happy, and we’re honored. We know that the AFRO is an organization that also supports our local HBCUs. Well, supports HBCUs, in general.”
“They’re acknowledging us and saluting us for something that they’re doing themselves. So we feel honored.”
Individuals interested in making direct donations, locally, can send a check to the Morgan State University Foundation or Coppin State University Foundation, with the notation “Baltimore Links GRASP” written on the memo line.
For additional information about the Salute, contact Diane W. Hocker, the AFRO’s Director, Community and Public Relations, at 410-554-8243.