The Oriska Foundation, a Houston-based educational organization, has provided a significant boost to the academic journeys of five Alcorn State University students, awarding a total of $5,000 in scholarships.
Each student will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help cover educational expenses for the spring and fall 2025 semesters after other financial aid has been applied.
The 2024-2025 Oriska Foundation scholars are:
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Tynia Killingsworth, sophomore business administration major from Cleveland, Miss. |
KeDarrius Jackson, senior nursing major from Carthage, Miss. |
Jada Foster, freshman agribusiness management major from Fayette, Miss. |
Aliya Griffin, junior elementary education major from McComb, Miss. |
Corriuna Johnson, sophomore agricultural science major from Port Gibson, Miss. |
Established in 2007, The Oriska Foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities for underserved communities. The $5,000 contribution to Alcorn State University was formalized in December 2024.
“The generous contribution from The Oriska Foundation will have a profound impact on our students,” said Sandra L. Barnes, Ph.D., associate provost for undergraduate education and student success at Alcorn State University. “This $5,000 in gap funding will directly address financial barriers, allowing these deserving individuals to continue their education and helping the university achieve its retention goals. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.”
The impact of the scholarships resonated deeply with the recipients. Freshman agribusiness management major Jada Foster emphasized the broader implications of the award, stating, “This scholarship is not just an aid to help pay for my education. It will be an investment in my future as well. It would allow me to have more time to focus on my education than dwelling on or working a job to pay for it. It would lighten a heavy load of expenses. This scholarship would also help me get one step closer to my goals in life. It would be a part of the foundation of my success.”
Junior elementary education major Aliya Griffin described the scholarship as a significant benefit. “Receiving this scholarship is truly a blessing,” she said. “These funds will not only ease the financial burden of my education but will also empower me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a teacher and making a difference in the lives of children.”
For sophomore agricultural science major Corriuna Johnson, the support opens new possibilities. “This financial support has opened doors to resources and opportunities I previously thought were out of reach,” Johnson explained. “It’s allowing me to fully immerse myself in my agricultural science studies and prepare for a career where I can contribute to sustainable farming and support rural communities.”
The Oriska Foundation’s support is expected to be instrumental in helping these Alcorn State University students complete their education and pursue their chosen careers, underscoring the foundation’s ongoing dedication to empowering students and advancing educational opportunities.
