RBS Alumni Association
The first class of Ron Brown Scholars in 2001 established the Ron Brown Alumni Association (RBSAA) upon their graduation from college. Alumni Scholars participate in the Association staying connected with fellow alumni, mentoring other Scholars, supporting philanthropic and social causes, and giving back to the Program. Alumni foster lifelong goodwill and strong connections among all Ron Brown Scholars through communication and mentorship as well as through the contribution of personal funds to enhance and perpetuate the organization.
The RBSAA works to pair each undergraduate Scholar with an alumnus Scholar in their field of interest to serve as a resource and a guide. Alumni mentors assist students to make the transition to college, learn about career enrichment programs, and secure meaningful internships. Also, regional meetings and informal dinners, held throughout the calendar year, bring together Scholars in various areas around the country. Scholars and Alumni in each region initiate and coordinate these activities.
RBSAA’s three objectives:
- Support philanthropic and social causes that celebrate kindred ideals
- Foster lifelong goodwill among Ron Brown Scholar Program Alumni
- Promote communication and mentorship between RBSAA members and Ron Brown Scholars
The RBSAA is a separate entity within the foundation that independently elects officers and supports the mission of the Ron Brown Scholar Program.
In 2017, the following Alumni hold leadership positions within the RBS Alumni Association:
RBSAA Board of Directors:
- Co-Presidents: Ade Sawyer, RBS 2006, Kara (Lee) Pierre, RBS 2000
- Co-Vice Presidents: Andrea Headley, RBS 2010 & Mondaire Jones, RBS 2005
- Treasurer: Mohammed Toure, RBS 2012
- Communications Chief: Desmond Garner, RBS 2011
RBS Community Service Foundation
At the heart of the Ron Brown Scholar Program lies an unshakable commitment to service. The Ron Brown Scholar Program launched its Community Service Foundation (CSF) in April of 2008 with the intent to help Ron Brown Scholars continue serving their communities through innovative service projects. Thanks to a gift from the CAP Charitable Foundation, the CSF will award small grants to Ron Brown Scholar applicants who submit proposals of service projects that demonstrate visionary solutions to problems of social importance.
The Foundation gives the opportunity for Ron Brown Scholars to encourage one another in their service endeavors and also bolsters the reach of the Ron Brown Scholar Program further into the greater African American community. Scholars offer their skills and insights to make an impact at the local level, and the collective ambition and support offered by the Program will heighten that impact to achieve a nationwide-and even global-reach.
The Foundation places no restrictions on the type of service to be administered or the demographics of the communities to receive the benefits. The foundation encourages Scholars to propose innovative solutions to problems occurring in any population, and look to apply their skills in areas where those skills traditionally have not been incorporated. A Scholar applicant’s method of service may range from direct outreach to research of a socially-relevant issue to providing administrative consultation to an organization that provides a crucial service but is not operating at full capacity.
All Ron Brown Scholars are eligible to apply and collaboration between Ron Brown Scholars is especially encouraged. Grant recipients will receive funding from the Foundation and will present their projects and outcomes at the Ron Brown Scholar Leadership Conferences and Selection Weekends.
Contact Vanessa Evans at vevans@ronbrown.org for more information about this initiative.
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