Scholarship

ARCC Scholarship Program

Empowering the Next Generation of Anti-Racism Leaders

At the Anti Racism Commitment Coalition (ARCC), we believe that real change starts with action. That’s why our scholarship program isn’t just about financial support—it’s about recognizing high school seniors who actively work to fight racism and promote equity in their communities.
Unlike traditional scholarships, students do not apply. Instead, they earn the scholarship through dedicated volunteer work with ARCC during their senior year of high school.

Scholarship Details

  • Get Involved

    Volunteer opportunities include community events, social media, outreach, and education initiatives

  • Make an Impact

    Develop leadership, communication, and activism skills

  • Earn the Scholarship

    Students are nominated and selected based on their contributions

Meet Past Recipients

Eliany Leal Espinoza (She/her)

  • Key West, FL

  • What is your field of study or intended major?

    • Major: Psychology Minor: Political Science

  • How has this scholarship helped you in your education and goals?

    • This grant has been beneficial in supporting my educational goals. It has relieved some of my financial stress, allowing me to devote more time to my education and extracurricular activities. This grant has allowed me to acquire necessary textbooks and other things that I would not have been able to afford otherwise. It has also given me a sense of encouragement and validation, knowing that others believe in my abilities. Overall, this scholarship has provided financial assistance and inspired me to continue working toward academic and personal achievement.

  • How are you involved in anti-racism or social justice work?

    • I'm involved in social justice work through ARCC; I was offered the opportunity to join the CIA in high school and have been involved ever since. I may spread positive and educational knowledge to people through Zoom sessions about current events and other vital topics. As a result, I've discovered that simply teaching others can have a significant impact.

  • What impact do you hope to make in your community or career?

    • Like everyone else, I aspire to have a positive impact on my community. I want to change the community for the better, and the greatest method I can think of is to educate and unite others.

Derek Criado

  • Key West, Florida

  • What is your field of study or intended major?

    • Biochemistry and Business Management

  • How has this scholarship helped you in your education and goals?

    • Inspired me to look into more racial occurrences within my local and distant communities

  • How are you involved in anti-racism or social justice work?

    • Spreading anti-racism knowledge with a passion to encourage others

  • What impact do you hope to make in your community or career?

    • I hope to make those feel more welcome and give more opportunities to those less fortunate

Dazmine Jenkins

  • Key West, Fl

  • What is your field of study or intended major?

    • Criminology

  • How has this scholarship helped you in your education and goals?

    • This scholarship has lifted a huge weight off my shoulders by easing the financial burden of college. It’s given me less to worry about, which means I can focus more on my studies and stay committed to reaching my goals. Knowing that someone believes in my potential also motivates me to keep pushing forward and make the most of this opportunity.

  • How are you involved in anti-racism or social justice work?

    • I’m involved in anti-racism and social justice work through a few student organizations on campus that focus on community engagement and promoting equity. I’ve joined clubs that create safe spaces for open dialogue and awareness, and I plan to become a member of the “We Raise the Bar” club. This organization focuses on addressing systemic issues from within, whether that’s in law enforcement, education, or community leadership. I believe real change happens when people from underrepresented backgrounds step into positions of power and influence, and that’s exactly what I aim to do.

  • What impact do you hope to make in your community or career?

    • Wanting to be an FBI crime investigator to serve and protect my community, especially minority communities. Representation matters so much in spaces like law enforcement and federal agencies. Having someone who understands the unique struggles and perspectives of minority communities can lead to more fairness, trust, and justice.

Justin Tran

  • Key West, Fl

  • What is your field of study or intended major?

    • Computer Science

  • How has this scholarship helped you in your education and goals?

    • Helped me pay for books!

  • How are you involved in anti-racism or social justice work?

    • I am apart of the student CIA arcc program

  • What impact do you hope to make in your community or career?

    • Help counter racism in the world little by little

  • 2024 Scholarship Awards: Yabi Yidnekachew, Dost Bakhtiyorov, Eliany Leal Espinoza, Dazmine Jenkins, Youma Midy, Justin Tran, Derek Criado, Detra Dor, Anthony Fernandez Virgen

  • 2023 Scholarship Awards: Rosa Nafrerre. Valerie Thene, Sarah Feng

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