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Coco Scholars

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Every year Coco offers scholarships to support the development of Black college women in Health, Civic Engagement, and the Arts. The inspiration behind these subject matters is from our parents who were passionate in these areas. Below are the 2024 recipients: 

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Angela Heath Scholarship

Daydrianna Jeffries

Daydrianna Jeffries is a senior majoring in Social Work at the University of Louisville. As a First-Generation student, she aims to earn her Master’s in Social Work and become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), focusing on mental health, educational inequities, policy advocacy, research, and social justice.

 

Recently, Daydrianna contributed research to developing an intervention and framework to reduce racism-related distress and enhance advocacy skills among Black families. She collaborated with Play Cousins, a local organization supporting families through caregiver support, youth enrichment, childcare, mental health, and civic engagement. The model is adaptable for various marginalized families and can be integrated into curricula for students, educators, and healthcare professionals. It combines trauma processing with advocacy skills to support diverse populations.

 

On campus, she serves as the President of the Kent School Student Social Work Association (KSSA) and leads “PEACCFul Connections with Daydrianna,” a series focusing on bystander prevention education and raising awareness about interpersonal violence. She also mentors students through TRIO Student Support Services, is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., and is involved in DEI education and environmental justice efforts. Daydrianna received the 2024 President’s Volunteer Service Award for her dedication for having over 200 service hours.

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Byron + Lolita Scholarship

Hailee Clack

Hailee Clack is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in

English Arts and a pre-law certificate at Hampton University. Her exceptional academic

achievements are matched by her extensive leadership roles both on and off campus.

Hailee is actively involved in social and political advocacy, serving as President of Black Girls

Vote and as Director of Professional Development for the 79th Student Government Association

at Hampton University. Her commitment to effecting positive change is further demonstrated by

her recent acceptance into the 2024 White House HBCU Scholar Recognition Program and her

membership in the National Council of Negro Women. As an ambassador for the HBCU

National Center, she passionately promotes higher education within underrepresented

communities.

Her entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her founding and direction of The FBC Initiative, aimed at

addressing systemic educational disparities. Inspired by her grandparents' longstanding

commitment to educational leadership in Flint Community Schools, The FBC Initiative

advocates for HBCU enrollment, enhances college readiness, and fosters career development.

The annual 'Flint to HBCU Forum' at the Flint Public Library highlights the importance of

HBCUs, promotes local businesses, and supports mentorship organizations.

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Dereje Haile Scholarship

Ary’ana Davis

Ary’ana Nevaeh Davis is a  third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on musical theatre and a minor in women’s studies. Driven by a profound passion for the arts, Ary’ana aspires to build a distinguished career as a performer, earning accolades and inspiring others through her work.

Throughout her time at UF, she has been deeply involved in campus life and the performing arts scene. She has participated in a variety of productions, exploring different facets of storytelling through acting, singing, and dancing.

Beyond the stage, Ary’ana is committed to making a difference in her community. As the founder of The Elite Chompettes Majorette Dance Team at UF; which is the first majorette dance team at The University of Florida, she has championed the importance of black dance culture, using our performances to highlight cultural heritage and educate others. Additionally, Ary’ana is member of SISTUHS, Incorporated, Where they focus sisterhood, community service, and personal growth for African American women.

Currently, Ary’ana Davis serves as Miss Krimson and Kream for the University Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. In this role, she exemplifies excellence and dedication to service in every aspect of her representation. Through her involvements on campus and in the arts, she strives to make a positive impact and inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly.

Below are the individual scholarship requirements and details. We are so proud of our scholarship recipients, click here to learn more about our past recipients.

AH Scholarship

Coco’s Mental/Holistic Health Advancement Scholarship is for 3rd-year students with a declared major in the human or social sciences, who plan to enter the mental health field. The A.H. Scholarship is named in honor of Angela Barbara Heath, mother of co-founder Tiffany Wright. Angela passed August 8th, 2018 from a pulmonary embolism, however, she was a complex trauma survivor and advocate of mental health awareness. As a parent with multiple mental illnesses, Angela was very vocal about the importance of therapy and holistic healing approaches. Eligible majors for this scholarship include psychology, sociology, social work, biological sciences, human development, and other related fields. Students must have a minimum of 60-semester units completed.

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Coco's Civic Engagement Scholarship is for a 4-year college student with a declared major in civic engagement or public policy. Inspired by the parents of cofounder Jasmine McGee, Byron Thompson, and Lolita Hancock. The B.L Scholarship was created to support students interested in civil service and community engagement. Jasmine’s mother was a legal secretary and her father was a lawyer. Both of her parents were passionate about creating change in their community and providing support for personal development and growth. Eligible education majors for this scholarship include administration of justice, political science, public administration, civil rights, ethnic studies, sociology, and other related fields. 

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DH Scholarship

Coco's Art Scholarship is inspired by the father of co-founder Mimo Haile, Dereje Haile.  This scholarship was created to support students who are interested in all of the art medium. Dereje was a fun-loving father who loved photography, music, and dancing. His favorite thing to do were to collect photographs from family gatherings and birthday celebration, which Mimo has inherited. There are more than 10 albums of pictures he has taken that tell a family history and powerful stories that depict a completely different light to the Ethiopian culture that’s broadcasted in the mainstream. This is a scholarship for a 4-year college student with majors in drawing, painting, photography, and graphic design. And can also include the art of the culinary, musical, and literary varieties. 

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Eligibility 

Successful applicants will:

  • be a womxn of the African Diaspora

  • complete a scholarship application

  • possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be in good standing

  • be enrolled in a US-based college or university as an undergraduate student.

  • display a financial need based on student FAFSA expected family contribution (EFC) and college's cost of attendance

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Scholarship recipients will be required to submit:

  • proof of enrollment in a US-based college or university

  • official transcript

  • student aid report from FAFSA

  • professional photo and video for promotional use

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** Please check individual scholarships for year standing requirements

 

FAQ

 

How much is each scholarship award?

$1000

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Who are the scholarships for?

Undergraduate students. We do not currently offer graduate scholarships.

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I just submitted my scholarship application, what is the next step in the process?

Final candidates will be contacted for a personal interview with the scholarship committee.

 

How will I be contacted or notified about scholarship updates?

All applicants and finalists will be notified by email. 

 

Can high school and community college students apply for scholarships?

At this time, the Coco scholarships are available for college students only.

 

Application dates and deadlines

  • June 1 —The application process opens.

  • June 30 —Deadline for student applications. 

  • August 31 — Recipients announced. 

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How do the recipients receive their award payments?

Scholarship checks are mailed to applicants’ home addresses in October.

 

Is the scholarship renewable?

No, this is a one-time award.

 

Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

No, students must select a scholarship that is most aligned with their major and career goals.

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Can I get involved with Coco if I don't receive a scholarship?

Yes. We open opportunities for internships and volunteering.

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