CREA Foundation, Inc., in conjunction with academic partner Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), is pleased to announce the selection of the inaugural class of financial and supportive aid recipients in the form of the 2022 CREA Scholars.
After reviewing applications and conducting interviews, CREA Foundation and IUPUI leaders selected ten freshman students at IUPUI to each receive a scholarship on average of $5,000, beginning with the 2022-23 academic year and continuing each subsequent year, in the hopes of supporting their aspirations to achieve a post-secondary degree.
In May of this year, the landmark CREA Scholars Program was launched at IUPUI with the aim of supporting students residing in affordable housing communities by providing funds and assistance through scholarships, educational support and access to wraparound services.
“We were elated with the overwhelming response to our very first CREA Foundation Scholarship Program and are excited about the high-caliber of students selected for this initial cohort of CREA Scholars at IUPUI,” stated Arvetta Jideonwo, CREA Foundation Executive Director “These individuals exude the confidence and motivation we’re looking for in first-year students to ensure they are successful in attaining their post-secondary degree, which is our mission in helping students cross the finish line. In addition, they will receive unparalleled support from IUPUI and the CREA family to assist them on their educational journey!”
The new CREA Scholars Program at IUPUI generated significant interest, resulting in a competitive application process. Eighty-six students applied, twenty interviewed, and ten were selected as the first class of scholars, including:
Gracie Boles – Brownstown, IN
Perrena Stockard – Indianapolis, IN
Amaree Conley – Indianapolis, IN
Raniya Knuckles – Evansville, IN
Nomar Reyes – Indianapolis, IN
Kamya Williams – Indianapolis, IN
Mikaela Watkins – Gary, IN
D’jhanea Joyce – Gary, IN
Amy Deleon – Cicero, IN
Daawan Baker – Anderson, IN
“We remain grateful to the CREA Foundation for continued partnership and support as we launch this wonderful new program at IUPUI this fall,” said Eric Williams, Senior Executive Director of Educational Equity Programs at IUPUI. “The inaugural cohort of CREA Scholars are impressive, both academically and through their community service efforts. We are excited to welcome them to campus and support their continued growth throughout their college careers.”
An official induction ceremony is scheduled for mid-August on the IUPUI campus.
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