Tennessee Teen Wins $5000 Kennetra Searcy Scholarship for Girls

Kennetra Searcy, Ms. Black USA and The Miss Black USA Organization is pleased to announce the selection of Carlisha Mckenzie of Chatanooga, Tennessee as the 1st Winner of the Kennetra Searcy Scholarship for Girls.  The $5,000 award is open to high school seniors throughout the U.S. Carlisha is a senior at the only all girls STEM school in Tennessee, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.  She has an intense passion for science and math.

Carlisha is the second oldest of three siblings.  She plans to major in Chemistry to become a forensic pathologist. She would like to become a forensic pathologist to make a difference by turning a tragedy into something positive, by saving lives and giving closure to families.

We wish to thank all of this year's applicants and wish them well as their pursue their academic pursuits.  Applications for 2018 will open on January 1st, 2018 at 7:00am EST.  

To date, the Miss Black USA Organization has awarded over $450,000 in scholarships and excited to partner with Kennetra Searcy to establish the Kennetra Searcy Scholarship for Girls.

How to Get $250 for College Savings with the Maryland 529 Save4College Program

Open a Maryland 529 College Investment Account and be Eligible to Receive a $250 Contribution through the Save4College State Contribution Program!

Saving for college is a challenge for many families. That's why the State of Maryland and Maryland 529 want to help Maryland families through the Save4College State Contribution Program.

The Save4College State Contribution Program is designed to help lower to middle-income families in Maryland save money for higher education. Individuals who open a new Maryland College Investment Plan (MCIP) after December 31, 2016, file an application prior June 1, 2017, and make at least the minimum contribution* to the account, may receive a $250 contribution by the State.

How Does It Work?

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

The beneficiary must be a Maryland resident.
Your Maryland taxable income cannot exceed $112,500 as an individual or $175,000 as a couple.
You must open a Maryland College Investment Plan and submit your application for the Save4College State Contribution Program and file an application prior to June 1, 2017.
 

Former Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2009 Cast in West Side Story

Jasmine Alexis, the first crowned Miss Black USA Talented Teen 2009 was cast as one of the Shark Girls in West Side Story at the prestigious Signature Theatre, 2009 Regional Tony Award recipient.  The actress, former national Miss Black USA Talented Teen and professional ballroom dancer is an alumna of Concordia University in Bronxville, New York.

Throughout her year of service, Jasmine traveled the US and West Africa speaking on behalf of various organizations all while continuing her support for a chance at a safer, healthier and brighter future for young women. One program she supports is JEWELGIRLS, an economic and art therapy program for adolescent girl survivors of human trafficking, sexual violence and street life. 

A former Miss DC Teen USA (2007) and Miss District of Columbia’s Outstanding Teen (2008), Jasmine competed in the 2009 Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant where she placed in the top ten as a national semi-finalist. A talented and accomplished dancer, Miss Alexis has won numerous first place awards in International Latin Ballroom Dancing, including the 2008 Mid-Atlantic Dancesports Championships. She has also been the featured halftime entertainment for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

Win $5,000 Kennetra Searcy Scholarship for Girls

In keeping with its mission to empower girls through education, the Miss Black USA Organization has established the Kennetra Searcy Scholarship for Girls.  The $5,000 scholarship is open to any high school senior in the U.S. who is a member of the Class of 2017.  The deadline to apply is now closed for 2017.  Application for 2018 will open on January 1, 2018.