25th Anniversary

Celebrating 25 Years of Ron Brown Scholar Impact

RBSP Digital Scholar Directory 2022
April 27, 2022

Established in 1996 to honor the late Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown’s legacy of service, the Ron Brown Scholar Program (RBSP) aims to advance higher education and improve the lives of service-minded and intellectually gifted African Americans, to accelerate their progress into impactful leadership roles and opportunities. 

Over the last 25 years, the Ron Brown Scholar Program has provided $40,000 scholarships to 584 academically motivated African American students from low-income backgrounds, who have a 99% graduation rate from a range of 200 colleges and universities. 

The Program currently supports more than 2,000 students annually through its three initiatives: the Signature Scholarship, the Guided Pathway Support Program (GPS) and the Ron Brown – Ruth and Norman Rales Leaders Network.

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The Ron Brown Scholar Program helps poor kids become stars

The program is named for Ron Brown, who became the nation’s first Black secretary of commerce during the Clinton administration in 1993. Three years later, Brown was killed in a plane crash …

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25th Anniversary Playlist

Testimonials

As I reflect on my time as a RBS, I am grateful to be a part of a community that has continued to push me to be a better version of myself. Wishing the RBSP many more years of success and continued impact! I have committed to donate, volunteer and mentor to support the next generation of Ron Brown Scholars.
Bruke KifleRBS 2015
Bruke Kifle
I believe the "secret sauce" of the Ron Brown Scholar Program is the extraordinary level of mentorship provided throughout our educational and career paths. Mentors from the Program (both in and outside of my field) have generously offered their time to guide and support me every step of the way to success. Happy 25th Anniversary Ron Brown Scholar Program and here's to many more years to come!!
Carmelle Norice-TraRBS 1997
Carmelle Norice-Tra
The Ron Brown Scholar Program has completely changed my life and I continue to be in awe of the network and resources I have had, and still have, access to. In addition to the financial burden being lifted during undergrad, I have met some of my best friends and mentors, and even got my first real job as a result of being a scholar. Thank you to the program staff for everything you have done for us! I am VERY proud to continue the Ron Brown legacy.
Leslie TurnerRBS 2013
Leslie Turner
I’ll never forget my Selection Weekend and the sense of unity and joy that came out if it. From sitting around playing Mafia well into the night, to that time I almost lost my scholarship *cough cough* all of these memories I hold dear. I’m looking forward to being part of the next 25 years of RBS.
Keon PearsonRBS 2011
Keon Pearson
As I reflect on my time as an RBS scholar, I am grateful to all the people that I have interacted with and learned from. From my fellow RBS 2020 peers to the alums that I have been able to connect with in the entertainment industry, there have been so many members of the RBS community that had a lasting impact in my life. Here's to 25 more years of vibrant community!
Aissata BahRBS 2020
Aissata Bah
One of my favorite memories of the Ron Brown Scholar Program was attending the American Journey Awards and having my parents present to commemorate the fruits of the RBS program in my life. It would be our last family trip before my father passed away and the RBS program brought us together to celebrate. Congratulations on 25 years of the RBSP! I am committed to supporting the program for the next 25 years and beyond!
Tiffany JacksonRBS 1999
Tiffany Jackson
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