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School of Education

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarship information for students in the Southern University School of Education

A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to help pay for their education, typically based on academic achievement, talent, leadership, service, or other criteria. Scholarships do not need to be repaid and may come from colleges, organizations, or private donors.

Dr. Julia B. Purnell Scholarship

The Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has established a scholarship in honor of Baton Rouge (LA) Chapter Charter member, Third Chapter President, and Seventh National President of The Links, Incorporated, Dr. Julia Brogdon Purnell.

Dr. Purnell was a dedicated and accomplished educator, dynamic leader, champion of civil rights, and devoted Christian. In honor of her service and contribution to The Links, Incorporated, as an organization, and her commitment to education, two (2) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to qualified applicants.

Qualified applicants will have a grade point average of 3.0 or above and be a full-time female student majoring in education at Southern University and A&M College. Successful candidates will have demonstrated community service, college or university involvement, leadership experience, and a commitment to the education profession.

Dr. Julia B. Purnell Scholarship

Previous Recipients

Recognizing School of Education students selected for the Dr. Julia B. Purnell Scholarship.

Taylor Curtis

Elementary Education 1–5

Spring 2025 Graduate

2023–2024 Recipient

Anna Porter

Elementary Education 1–5

Fall 2025 Graduate

2024–2025 Recipient

Jayda Sneed

Mild/Moderate & Elementary Education 1–5

Resident Teacher (Fall 2026–Spring 2027)

2024–2025 Recipient

Go Teach Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway

The Go Teach Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway, launched in 2020, supports the CFP Foundation's effort to place qualified teachers in classrooms across the nation.

Together, Dr Pepper and the CFP Foundation will award a total of $1.5 million over six years, providing the 10 FBS conference partners (American, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten, Conference USA, MAC, Mountain West, Pac-12, SEC, and Sun Belt), as well as Notre Dame and HBCUs, with resources that support and recognize student-athletes pursuing careers in education.

Qualified applicants at Southern University and A&M College include athletes and band members pursuing a degree in education as a major or minor. The scholarship is $2,500.

Scholarship Recipients

Recognizing School of Education students supported through the Go Teach Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway.

Kairah Williams

Elementary Education 1–5

Spring 2026 Graduate

Dishon Montgomery

Instrumental Music K–12

Resident Teacher (Spring 2026–Fall 2026)

Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Scholarship

The Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook Memorial Endowed Scholarship honors the legacy of Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook, a devoted Southern University alumna, educator, and community trailblazer whose life was marked by compassion, service, and a deep love for children.

Established by the Cook Family, this scholarship supports aspiring educators who reflect Ruby's passion for teaching and dedication to helping every child reach their full potential.

About the Scholarship

Awarded annually to one student in the School of Education at Southern University and A&M College, the scholarship provides financial assistance to students pursuing a degree in Elementary Education.

Eligibility

  • Full-time junior or senior at Southern University
  • Enrolled in Elementary Education within the School of Education
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5

Selection Criteria

  • Good academic standing
  • Demonstrated progress toward degree completion in Elementary Education

This scholarship is a tribute to a woman who made every child feel seen, valued, and loved, and it aims to empower future educators to do the same.

Scholarship Recipient

Recognizing a School of Education student selected to carry forward the legacy of Ruby J. Darensbourg-Cook.

Daylon McClendon

Elementary Education 1–5

Spring 2026 Graduate