Georgia Military College (GMC) participated in the Milledgeville-Baldwin County Juneteenth Festival, marking the day in our nation's history by announcing the launch of GMC’s Juneteenth Celebration Scholarship.
Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, symbolizes freedom, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. It is a day to honor the strength and contributions of African Americans while recognizing the work that still lies ahead in achieving true equality.
Through its Juneteenth Celebration Scholarship, GMC aims to empower and support students who embody the spirit of resilience, perseverance, and community upliftment exemplified by the Juneteenth legacy. “This scholarship reflects our enduring commitment to serving our diverse student body and communities,” Col. Nelson Kraft, USA (Ret) and senior vice president of the Junior College at GMC stated.
“Juneteenth is not only a day of remembrance, but also a call to action,” he added. “By establishing this scholarship, we strive to promote educational access and opportunity while developing a deeper understanding of the historical significance of Juneteenth.'
The GMC Juneteenth Celebration Scholarship, valued at $600, will provide financial assistance to an African American civilian student pursuing an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree.
Recipients must complete at least 51% of their coursework in-seat at the main campus and maintain a GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for consideration. GMC will award up to three recipients for the school year 2024-25.
During the Juneteenth Festival, Elder Alan Wicker, a GMC board of trustees member, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the occasion’s significance and the institution’s dedication to supporting a diverse student community.
“GMC is honored to stand alongside the Harrisburg Community in commemorating Juneteenth and reaffirming our shared values of freedom, equality, and unity,” Wicker said. 'As an institution committed to developing principled leaders and engaged citizens, we believe education plays a pivotal role in building a brighter and more equitable future for all.
“The Juneteenth Celebration Scholarship represents our continued support for the Milledgeville- Baldwin County Juneteenth Festival and our mission to further educational advancement within our community.”
Georgia Military College believes financial constraints should never hinder a student’s educational journey. To support this belief, GMC offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work opportunities. For more information about the GMC Juneteenth Celebration Scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, email info.main@gmc.edu.
– Contributed