Eight Roosevelt graduates are attending college with help from $5,000 scholarships from the James A. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund was made possible by generous donors in RARE’s first year of working for racial equity. Donations are still being accepted as we work to increase the amount awarded.

RARE established two $5,000 scholarships during its founding year to support two Roosevelt students of color in need to reach their post-secondary educational goals. Working in partnership with school staff, RARE has established a clear selection process for the scholarships. Any graduating student of color who is planning to attend college, trade school, or a professional training program is welcome to apply.

Successful candidates will have contributed toward creating a climate of racial equity at Roosevelt and will have demonstrated a commitment to furthering their education.

The scholarship is named for James A. Davis, Roosevelt class of 1971. Davis was a voluntary racial transfer student who became a leader among his peers. He served as senior class vice president, was a leader in Junior Achievement, played varsity football and played clarinet in the marching band. Throughout his life he showed his love of family and friends and respect for others as his equal. He was known for reaching across racial lines to establish meaningful relationships with all students. After graduation, he maintained relationships with his Roosevelt classmates and went on to contribute to his family, his church, and his community. Davis died in 2013.

Selection Process (Academic year 2024-2025)

• Two scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded every spring.
• Applications, including 2 letters of support (see application link below), should be turned into the RHS Counseling Office and are due on February 24, 2025.
• RHS staff will review the applications and forward the applications of their top recommended candidates to the scholarship selection board of Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) in early March. Candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the RARE Scholarship Selection Board near the end of the month.
• Final selection will be made and announced by the first week in April.
• The funding will be available for use by scholarship winners for tuition payments and other direct educational expenses for up to two years after graduating from RHS. Seattle Promise students may delay receiving their award until they enter a 4-yr college after finishing their studies at a Seattle College.

Past Award Winners

2021: Leah Scott & Elsabeth Assaye

2022: Elroe Yayiso & Myles Mawa

2023: Camila Ricardo & Yuena Kim

2024: Aurora Barrera Diaz & Ryan Komba

Application

The scholarship application is here. You may provide your continued support to the scholarship fund below.