University of Mobile joins ‘Dream Forward’ scholarship initiative

University of Mobile joins ‘Dream Forward’ scholarship initiative

University of Mobile (UM) is among 20 Christian colleges, universities and seminaries that have raised more than $1.5 million in scholarships for minority students through the “MLK50 Dream Forward Scholarship Initiative” announced April 4.

UM was recognized during the announcement in Memphis, Tennessee, at MLK50: Gospel Reflections from the Mountain, a joint conference by The Gospel Coalition and the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). More than 3,700 people participated in the two-day conference, according to Christianity Today.

The program offers full- and partial-tuition scholarships to minority students in Memphis “who demonstrate a heart for Christ and a potential for academic excellence,” according to Christianity Today. Information about the scholarships is at www.mlk50conference.com/Memphis.

The scholarship initiative is in honor of Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated 50 years ago in Memphis.

“God might be raising up the next Martin Luther King Jr. or Billy Graham right here in Memphis to be trained at one of these schools. I am encouraged to see these schools come together to help invest in students in the Memphis area,” said Russell Moore, ERLC president.

Brent Leatherwood, ERLC director of strategic partnerships, said, “We believe there are multiple reasons for Christian colleges and seminaries to participate in this program and we are grateful to these schools who have so generously joined this effort. The city of Memphis was the scene of a brutal murder of the leading figure of the Civil Rights Movement. Unfortunately, even to this day, shockwaves from that terrible moment still reverberate in the community. But pastors, church leaders, and local activists are resolved to make racial unity a reality. This initiative reflects that good work being done and offers a way to come alongside and support it.”

As a “Dream Forward” participant, UM will offer a $20,000 scholarship, says Charity Wittner, vice president for enrollment services.

“We are pleased to be part of this effort to invest in the future of students and equip them to make a difference in their church and community,” Wittner said.

UM is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven.

The university offers on-campus and online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in over 40 areas of study.

Founded in 1961, UM is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of more than 880 acres.

For more information about UM, visit www.umobile.edu or call 1-800-WIN-RAMS or 251-442-2222. (University of Mobile)