The Dr. Tina Pierce Social Justice Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to Columbus City School graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement, social justice or political activism. Applicants must be majoring in Political Science, African American and African Studies, Sociology, Public Affairs, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies, Criminology, Criminal Justice or other social justice oriented majors at a 4-year institution.

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A graduate of Columbus City Schools and current Columbus Board of Education Member, Dr. Tina Pierce has dedicated herself to teaching, mentoring and developing youth and facilitating civic engagement throughout her Columbus community. She passionately invests in the development of young people, empowering them to find and use their voices to influence change. Established this scholarship in 2020 as a call to action following the death of George Floyd, Dr. Pierce pledged her full 1st term Columbus Board of Education salary, roughly $14,400.

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Many young activists are motivated to organize and influence change within their schools and communities, but lack the resources, tools and guidance necessary to bridge the gap between ideas and action. Today, in a climate of growing divisiveness, that call remains urgent. The intent of this scholarship is not only to provide financial assistance to worthy candidates, but also to pair that with mentorship and community engagement training. With the support of The WORTH Foundation, we’re expanding the scholarship to support even more students while they attend the university/college that best fits their journey.

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Students selected for this scholarship will be expected to volunteer, connect and engage with current Columbus City School students throughout the school year. Scholarship recipients may then apply for renewal if they have met the service component requirement. This scholarship purposefully aspires to create a long-term, sustainable connection between current & past Columbus City School youth leaders.

 

Past recipients of the Dr. Tina D. Pierce Social Justice Scholarship

 

Elisabeth Cobb
Whetstone High School Class of 2019
Majors: Public Management, Leadership & Policy; Criminology 

 

Chenelle Cohen
Eastmoor Academy Class of 2025
Major: Social Work

 

Jason Farmer
Eastmoor Academy Class of 2018
Major: Environmental Policy and Decision-Making

 

Shayanna Hinkle-Moore 
Independence High School Class of 2019
Majors: Public Management, Leadership & Policy; City & Regional Planning

 

Naa Shidaa Korley
Centennial High School Class of 2023
Major: Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Sciences

 

Ricky Phu
Northland High Schools Class of 2025
Major: Health Science

 

Kaia Price
Columbus Alternative High School Class of 2025 
Major: Health Science

 

Glory Raji
Eastmoor Academy Class of 2025
Major: Pharmaceutical Science

 

America Sanchez Tomisawa
Centennial High School Class of 2025
Major: Business

 

Janisa Tyler
Columbus Alternative High School Class of 2025 
Major: Business Administration, Pre-Law​