While the college experience is valuable no matter where you attend, the Nyra Renee Shaw-Hemphill Memorial Scholarship Fund is intended to help guide high school students to and through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Nyra comes from a lineage of HBCU graduates from Bluefield College, Shaw University, Morehouse College, Fisk University, Tuskegee University, Howard University, and Tennessee State University. It was inevitable that an HBCU would be her school of choice because it was ingrained in her at an early age. At the Nyra Renee Shaw-Hemphill Memorial Scholarship Fund, we encourage the HBCU experience for graduating seniors. HBCUs have a unique approach to personal development by promoting high self-esteem, scholastic standards, and campus involvement. HBCUs also offer unique educational strategies such as small class sizes and inclusive admissions processes. The wisdom, experiences, and development gained through the four-year HBCU journey are carried with students for life. 

 

Nyra's Experience:  

 

Only months after the passing of my daughter, I found my passion for helping other young adult scholars experience what Nyra felt was one of the best times of her life— being an adult without the responsibilities of being an adult! A friend asked Nyra about her experience in college and she wrote back saying, "It's REALLY an experience...it's nothing like being around like-minded people; I never feel out of place or anything. The teachers are really there for you and want you to succeed. They provide so many opportunities and guidance that your pathway is paved right in front of you, and the school spirit is crazzzzy, well at least at Tuskegee! I would definitely recommend an HBCU!" 

 

So, for students interested in HBCUs don't just take it from me, take it from Nyra! I do this for students, and I DO IT FOR NYRA! 

 

-Terrie, Nyra's Mom & Scholarship Founder