Kennedy Scholarship gives big dreams a chance

In high school, Trinitee Richards had an unusual hobby – one that she admits is a little nerdy. She built spreadsheets with lots of bells and whistles, including a checklist for her college applications. Her dream school, North Carolina A&T State University, felt unattainable, but thanks to the Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund, she is starting there as a freshman this fall.

“Everyone in my family was so excited about the scholarship,” said Trinitee. “I called my mom and she ran back and forth across the house five times. My dad was quieter, but he showed it in his own way. We are really appreciative of the scholarship. It’s giving so many young kids a chance to go to schools they would not have been able to go to otherwise.”

The Jim Kennedy Scholarship Fund was established and personally funded by Cox Enterprises Chairman, Jim Kennedy, in 2008 for children of Cox employees and is administered by the Community Foundation. Trinitee’s mom is a member of the Cox Communications team. The scholarship provides $10,000 to high school graduates entering their first year of college, which is renewable for three more years, provided students meet eligibility need criteria.

Last year, the Fund celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special celebration that brought alumni from across the country together in Atlanta. It was a moving commemoration of big dreams, big accomplishments and an opportunity for the scholars and Kennedy to meet. After the event, Kennedy made an exciting change – increasing the program from 10 scholarships a year to 15.

It’s an investment in the future of more students like Trinitee, who will be studying computer science. “I am a person who really likes to learn new things. I think that’s what I am most excited about for college! I can take it in a new direction, learning things I will use in life.”

Learn more about the scholarship funds that the Community Foundation administers here.

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“This scholarship means trust in me – trust that I will do the things I say I will do and give back the way I say I will. It was important to me because without it, I would not have been able to go to my dream school.” – Trinitee Richards

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