Learning, Leading, and Giving Back
The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship was founded by Van Adamson-Thompson, whose passion for giving back to the community grew from his academic journey at UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University. His studies, including a Civic Engagement & Social Change class, introduced him to Stanford University’s six pathways for public service and community engagement: Community-Engaged Research, Community Organizing and Activism, Direct Service, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Governance. Inspired by these pathways, Van sought opportunities to delve deeper into each, culminating in a research paper focused on the name and mascot of Byrnes High School and its connection to the community. This research laid the foundation for creating the Middle Tyger Community Scholarship - to enable youth to learn more about their community and create opportunities for them to be leaders and agents of change.
Lift As You Climb
As a collective of four individuals who have benefitted from mentorship and opportunities throughout their journeys, we recognize the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation. The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship will not only provide financial support to help students begin their pursuit of higher education but also foster connection through mentorship. While only one student will receive the scholarship, we will operate in a cohort-style format to support a group of 3 to 5 students. Even if only one student receives the scholarship, the cohort will allow others to receive guidance and mentorship, as well as opportunities to explore their passions.
This structure ensures that students have access to resources and relationships that can help them grow academically and personally. More details about the cohort programming will be available soon, as we envision this becoming a lifelong community of scholars committed to making transformational change.
Public Service, Collective Impact
The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship is dedicated to cultivating future leaders committed to public service and transformational change. Public service is a commitment to society’s collective welfare, transcending individual differences. The scholarship aims to empower Byrnes students to engage in community organizing, activism, and direct service while preparing them for future careers in social enterprise and governance. Through the power of philanthropy and community-engaged research, students will have the opportunity to address community challenges and lay the groundwork for a future where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.