Open Scholarships

In 1965, James L. Ellis graduated from Tucson High School after attending John Springs Junior High School (formerly the segregated Dunbar School) and went on to the University of Arizona to earn his Bachelors of Science in Urban Planning.  Mr. Ellis supports various youth by encouraging them to pursue higher education.  Since 2013, Mr. Ellis has given several Tucson High Magnet School, African-American seniors a scholarship to help defray the expenses associated with higher learning.

At a young age, Jessie L. Langford discovered the importance of being educated and employable when she physically carried her deceased brother’s body to her family’s home to be buried because the local mortuary refused to provide services to African-Americans. Mrs. Langford taught herself to read, married, put six children through college and worked for Tucson Unified School District. The Jessie L. Langford Scholarship is awarded to college students who demonstrate academic excellence, financial need, creative talent and potential for professional success. 

 In loving memory of Dr. Edward Thompson III, the Thompson family has established the Dr. Edward Thompson III Scholarship through Thrive Generations, Inc.  Thrive Generations is a non-profit organization in Tucson, Arizona that is focused on encouraging the Tucson community to PROSPER by helping individuals THRIVE through a multi-generational approach.  Dr. Thompson was a champion of education who dedicated his life to educating the world through his work as a Professor of Political Science and serving as an executive vice president and provost of multiple colleges and universities.  In honor of Dr. Thompson's commitment to education, this scholarship is available to a graduating Black senior from Tucson High Magnet School who has a demonstrated history of academic achievement. 

Wyndell Townsend is a local business owner who has owned JT Auto since 2011.  As an entrepreneur, Mr. Townsend is offering two $1000 scholarship to support a high school senior or college student who would like to pursue a career in entrepreneurship or a trade.