Eighteen years ago, the Merrill Lynch Foundation launched a program (ScholarshipBuilder) designed to provide 25 students in 10 Urban League affiliate cities with post-secondary education support upon their graduation from high school in year 2000. This long-term commitment was made to first grade students randomly selected in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia and Washington. Two months after the first students were inducted into the program, the Greater Washington Urban League identified a second sponsor, PSA Rainbow Fund, and inducted an additional 10 students into the program.
Students in Washington were selected from the first grade class at Hendley Elementary School. Over the last 12 years, the students have been prepared to succeed in school. They were provided with academic enhancements services, cultural enrichment exposures, mentoring, "life skills" and leadership training, internships, summer employment opportunities, technology education and training and community service opportunities.
Through the partnership with the Merrill Lynch Foundation, PSI Rainbow Fund, the National Urban League, and the local school systems, the Washington ScholarshipBuilder students have participated in the National Urban League Youth Summits, pre-college academic programs on college campuses, SAT preparation workshops, college video tours and on campus tours, computer education camps, out-of-state enrichment opportunities, and family field trips.
In addition to the corporate support provided the students, numerous volunteers also provided them with their most precious gifts - their time, talent and personal guidance.
Two Merrill Lynch sponsored students graduated a year ahead of the class. Year 2000 will see sixteen Merrill Lynch ScholarshipBuilder students and seven PSI Rainbow Fund students graduate.
It is with pride that the Board and staff of the Greater Washington Urban League congratulate the following students on their academic achievement and wish them much success as they enter college and vocational training programs.
PRESENTING THE
SCHOLARSHIPBUILDER
CLASS OF 2000
Merrill Lynch Students:
Ebony Allen
Dawn Moore
Jerome Glasco
Joseph Paire
Juan Hill
Lakeia Rawls
Kelli Jenkins
Diana Smith
Diana Johnson
Ravon Waldron
Ria King
Joseph White
Nikkia Martin
Hilary Whitfield, II
Jorge Membreno
Kishanna Wimbush
Class of 2000 - 1999 graduates
Shanita Brown
April Hill
PSI Rainbow Fund Students:
Sharee Battles
Shalita Knight
Edward Brown Jr.
Lakeda Martin
Skyyler Browne
LaShawn Wiggins
Juanita DeVaughn
The first students graduated in May 2004:
Shanita Brown, American University
Sharee Battles, Bennett College
Dawn Moore, Bennett College
Lakeda Martin, Johnson C. Smith University and
Joseph Paire, Johnson and Wales University
Students graduating in May 2005:
Ria King, Howard University
Diana Smith, Howard University
Hilary Whitfield, Morehouse University
Two students, April Hill (Job Corps - 2004) and LaShawn Wiggins (Sanz School - 2003), completed nursing programs.
Maudine R. Cooper, President & CEO
Audrey Epperson, Director of Education
Gladys General, ScholarshipBuilder Coordinator
Janice Williams, ScholarshipBuilder Coordinator, Merrill Lynch Office - DC
1 Daniel Tully, Merrill Lynch with Kelli Jenkins and Hilary Whitfield - November 22, 1988, The day they were inducted into the program 2Students at their 1st anniversary celebration - 1989 3Joseph Paire`, Andrew Humphey and Hilary Whitfield at the College Video Fair 4Maudine R. Cooper (League President), Shantia Brown and Janice Williams (Merrill Lynch) - ScholarshipBuilder coordinator; Parent Recognition Luncheon, June 1999
Eighteen years ago, the Merrill Lynch Foundation launched a program 
Students in Washington were selected from the first grade class at Hendley Elementary School. Over the last 12 years, the students have been prepared to succeed in school. They were provided with academic enhancements services, cultural enrichment exposures, mentoring, "life skills" and leadership training, internships, summer employment opportunities, technology education and training and community service opportunities.
It is with pride that the Board and staff of the Greater Washington Urban League congratulate the following students on their academic achievement and wish them much success as they enter college and vocational training programs.
Maudine R. Cooper,