Archives: News

Blue Cross NC awards CSCP $500,000 to pilot a Foster Care Youth Initiative

December 8, 2022

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has awarded the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership $500,000 to pilot a five-year Foster Care Youth Initiative

Winston-Salem, NC – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has awarded the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership $500,000 to pilot a five-year Foster Care Youth Initiative to increase the number of Forsyth County foster care youth who enroll in 4-year and 2-year colleges or other post-secondary educational opportunities.

“We are fortunate to have this opportunity to reach a new target group thanks to Blue Cross NC’s support,” said Mrs. Mona W. Lovett, President and CEO of Crosby Scholars. “Foster care youth have the lowest college-going rates among students, and Crosby Scholars has resources to boost their success in attaining post-secondary education,” said Lovett. 

Better Care Network reports that just 20% of foster youth who graduate from high school attend college. However, 84% of 17 to 18-year-old foster youth want to go to college.

Students in the Foster Care Youth Initiative will benefit from Crosby Scholars programming, one-on-one advising, and Last Dollar Grants helping them to prepare for college, as well as enroll and afford college. The Crosby Scholars Program will also offer workshops for foster parents to help them understand how to support their foster children in pursuing their post-secondary plans. Additionally, once a student in foster care joins the Crosby Scholars Program, the student will be eligible for program resources even if they move outside of Forsyth County. 

“Our work with the Crosby Scholars Program reflects the reality that post-secondary education and training opens doorways to better paying jobs, providing greater access to nutritious food, healthy housing, transportation and the other non-medical resources essential for good health,” said Blue Cross NC’s Senior Vice President of Government Markets Fran Gary. “We are committed to investing in initiatives that give every individual the opportunity to be healthy, and we are proud to collaborate with the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership toward a shared vision of a healthier, happier North Carolina.”

Crosby Scholars will collaborate with the Forsyth County Department of Social Services and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools to identify students in foster care early, so they can be connected to an advisor in sixth grade when Crosby Scholars programming begins. The Crosby Scholars FCYI Advisors will connect with the students in multiple ways, including individual and small group meetings during school hours and engaging foster parents to develop an individualized plan to reach their post-secondary goals. Students will benefit from tutoring, mentoring, and life skills and career exploration workshops. Advisors will also offer assistance in completing college admission and financial aid applications, exploring apprenticeship and certification opportunities, and funding opportunities. 

The FCYI will allow for ongoing contact with students after they enroll in college to ensure they have the support and resources they need. 

“We look forward to being part of the fabric of community support for our foster care youth by helping them to pursue their post-secondary goals and boosting their economic mobility,” said Lovett.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of 4.3 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About Crosby Scholars Community Partnership 

Since 1992, Crosby Scholars Community Partnership has helped students in public middle and high schools in Forsyth County prepare academically, personally, and financially for college admission and other post-secondary opportunities. Crosby Scholars is a community partner of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. In 2012, an alliance was formed with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina establishing Crosby Scholars as an independent affiliate of Goodwill, which has allowed Crosby Scholars to expand to serve Rowan and Iredell counties. 

With a 30-year history of providing career and college exploration, admissions and financial aid workshops, one-on-one advising services, college visits, community service opportunities, cultural experiences and over $900,000 in scholarships and Last Dollar Grants for college tuition annually, Crosby Scholars now serves more than 11,000 students each year and has over 13,000 alumni. In 2019, the National College Attainment Network awarded Crosby Scholars the College Access Organization Award of Excellence. 

To learn more about Crosby Scholars visit www.crosbyscholars.org or contact us at info@crosbyscholars.org or (336) 725-5371. For further information contact: Hayley Sink at hsink@crosbyscholars.org or (336) 725-5371.

###

Crosby Scholars’ Hayley Sink named a Top Community Leader Under 40

November 9, 2022

Winston-Salem, NC – Winston Under 40 recognized Hayley Sink, Crosby Scholars Community Partnership's Marketing and Engagement Officer, as one the community’s top 25 outstanding leaders under 40 in 2022. 

Awardees “are excelling in their field, contributing to the community, and demonstrating strong leadership for Winston-Salem and Forsyth County,” according to Winston Under 40.

“Crosby Scholars is so fortunate to have the energy, talent and enthusiasm that Hayley brings each day,” said Mona Lovett, President & CEO of Crosby Scholars. “She is a Crosby Scholar Alumnus, and we are so proud tohave her on the team as we work to prepare the next generation of Crosby Scholars... For College. For Life."

Hayley, a first-generation college student, has boosted Crosby Scholars' community presence through her creativity in varied marketing tools, publications, communications, and PR that promotes Crosby Scholars' many programs. 

Crosby Scholars assists 6th to 12th grade students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County public schools in preparing for successful college enrollment and other post-secondary educational opportunities. Hayley leads student engagement at Crosby Scholars, which requires each of our 11,000 students to complete at least two hours of community service annually.  Hayley has developed new opportunities and contacts for Crosby Scholars to learn and understand community needs. She connected Crosby Scholars to SPARK (Share Peace and Rekindle Kindness), a partnership that has provided additional service opportunities with an educational component, so students learn why what they are doing matters.

During COVID and the need for social distancing, Hayley reimagined Crosby Scholars’ Senior Gala, our annual event that celebrates our graduating high school seniors and their families with approximately 1,000 attendees. To honor our seniors, Hayley coordinated the 2021 celebration at The Drive drive-in movie theater on the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds and in 2022, at The Winston-Salem Dash baseball stadium. 

Hayley manages Crosby Scholars' AmeriCorps VISTA members through the Winston-Salem Community Action Coalition. These are individuals interested in community-based work, such as poverty alleviation, economic development, education equity, or health and food justice. She creates positive learning experiences and opportunities that enable them to successfully contribute to Crosby Scholars' mission and feel a part of our overall team. She is also a member of Reynolda Rotary, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee. She serves as Secretary of the Board for Moji Coffee, which employs and enriches lives of individuals with diverse abilities.  

“She brings out the best in her co-workers, and success follows for Crosby Scholars as a whole,” said Angie Murphrey, Director of Development for Crosby Scholars. “It is her nature to offer assistance whenever possible. At a young age, Hayley brings a valuable balance of experience and new ideas to Crosby.” 

About Crosby Scholars Community Partnership 

Since 1992, Crosby Scholars Community Partnership has helped students in public middle and high schools in Forsyth County prepare academically, personally, and financially for college admission and other post-secondary opportunities. Crosby Scholars is a community partner of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. In 2012, an alliance was formed with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina establishing Crosby Scholars as an independent affiliate of Goodwill, which has allowed Crosby Scholars to expand to serve Rowan and Iredell counties. 

With a 30-year history of providing career and college exploration, admissions and financial aid workshops, one-on-one advising services, college visits, community service opportunities, cultural experiences and over $900,000 in scholarships and Last Dollar Grants for college tuition annually, Crosby Scholars now serves more than 11,000 students each year and has over 13,000 alumni. In 2019, the National College Attainment Network awarded Crosby Scholars the College Access Organization Award of Excellence. 

To learn more about Crosby Scholars visit www.crosbyscholars.org or contact us at info@crosbyscholars.org or (336) 725-5371.

###

Crosby Scholars Scholarship Season is HERE!

It’s Crosby Scholars Scholarship Season!

Over 30 Crosby Scholars Scholarships opened in the Crosby Scholars Student Portal on October 1st!

Check out our Scholarship Handbook for the full list of Crosby Scholars Scholarships, application instructions, documents required for scholarship applications information about the review process, important dates, frequently asked questions, and more!

Students can submit scholarship applications in their Crosby Scholars Student Portal.

Questions? Email finaid@crosbyscholars.org

2022-2023 High School Leadership Council Results

Congratulations to the High School Leadership Council elected members for the 2022-2023 school year! Each student self-nominated and then elected by their peers through a voting process. We still have some space available for self-nominations! If you see your school is missing a member for your grade and you are interested in joining, email us at highschool@crosbyscholars.org

Atkins

  • President: Emily Lin
  • At-Large Senior: Ezekiel Bradley
  • Vice-President: Dave Srinivasan
  • At-Large Sophomore: Love’ Burgess
  • At-Large Freshman: Aryaman Shukla, Aryn Goldenstein, Justine Mourkos, Kamya Evans, Jocelyn Hayes, Kamryn Edmon and Paige Kiesling

Carter G. Woodson

  • President: Tyshawn Campbell
  • Vice-President: TBA
  • At-Large Sophomore: TBA
  • At-Large Freshman: TBA

Carver, TBA

Early College

  • President: Michelle Cruzat
  • At-Large Senior: Ashley Silva Martinez
  • Vice-President: Grace Isiguzo
  • At-Large Sophomore: Ari Brown
  • At-Large Freshman: Casey Milestone and Ava Hardy

East Forsyth

  • President: Kourtney Cooper
  • Vice-President: Alexandria Warren
  • At-Large Sophomore: Sawyer Wemyss
  • At-Large Freshman: Annalee Mathis and Kyla Penn

Glenn

  • President: Erika Ayon
  • Vice-President: Aniyah Mayes
  • At-Large Sophomore: Hayden Harper

Kennedy

  • President: Carley Vawter
  • Vice-President: TBA
  • At-Large Sophomore: TBA

Middle College

  • President: Jolie Hauser
  • At-Large Senior: Maryanna Cooper
  • Vice-President: TBA
  • At-Large Sophomore: TBA

Mt. Tabor

  • President: Adam Cartwright
  • At-Large Senior: Kiarra Wilson
  • Vice-President: Evelyn Mata
  • At-Large Sophomore: Aliyah Coplin
  • At-Large Freshman: LaKoya Price and Carly Surrell

North Carolina Leadership Academy

  • President: Julia Davis
  • Vice-President: Emmerson Guldberg
  • At-Large Sophomore: TBA
  • At-Large Freshman: Wenda McLaurin, Emma Gwyn and Reagan Gauldin

North Forsyth

  • President: Makayla Adams
  • At-Large Senior: Nancy Fernandez-Salgado
  • Vice-President: TBA
  • At-Large Sophomore: Ian Torreblanca Aviles
  • At-Large Freshman: Zion Johnson

Paisley

  • President: TBA
  • Vice-President: TBA
  • At-Large Sophomore: Braylon Robinson

Parkland

  • President: Tobi Onasanya
  • At-Large Seniors: Ian Franco and Gabriela Ochoa
  • Vice-President: TBA
  • At-Large Sophomore: Nathan Garcia

Quality Education Academy, TBA

Reagan

  • President: Taniska Sharma
  • At-Large Senior: Morgan Stone
  • Vice-President: Jack Sweeney
  • At-Large Junior: Mallory Maxey
  • At-Large Sophomores: Sophia Hoover and Emma Claire Thompson
  • At-Large Freshman: Addison Nichols

Reynolds

  • President: Danielle Moody
  • At-Large Senior: Najia Scott
  • Vice-President: Sarah Welsh
  • At-Large Sophomore: Nina Howards
  • At-Large Freshman: Lauren Bodenheimer, Gracie Ward and Frii Sampson-Young

Walkertown

  • President: Kooper Bray
  • Vice-President: Kendrick Ferguson
  • At-Large Sophomore: Journie Barr

West Forsyth

  • President: Zuri Sweatt
  • Vice-President: Katherine Lee
  • At-Large Sophomores: Jessica Benitez and Rachel Bliss
  • At-Large Freshman: Ethan Fox and Kenzie Bullins

Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy

  • President: Julianna Woody
  • Vice-President: Betzy Mendoza-Noyola
  • At-Large Sophomores: TBA

Crosby Scholars holds Breakfast of Champions event in Bermuda Run

BERMUDA RUN, N.C. — WXII 12 News — A special breakfast was held on Tuesday morning in Bermuda Run in honor of Crosby Scholars, the free college access program that serves all of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public Schools for students in grades 6-12.

Tuesday’s “Breakfast of Champions” welcomed the class of 2022 to the Crosby alumnae family and was followed by the 16th Annual Crosby Scholars Invitational Golf Tournament, which raised $300,000 in grants and scholarships.

WXII 12 News spoke with a few of the graduating seniors at the event who shared what being a Crosby scholar means to them, as well as the experience they’ll take with them, as they begin their college careers.

Soon-to-be East Forsyth High School graduate, Regan Rhymes, said “There is a community service requirement, along with the academies, and having that preparation and just that consistency throughout each year, having that dedication to service…and also being able to network with a bunch of leaders across Forsyth County..it has enabled me to become a better leader.”

Another member of WS/FCS’s 2022 graduating class, Jayla Summers, attends Reagan High School and shared:

“The community service and the leadership has really helped me become the person that I am today, as it’s allowed me to be involved in other extracurricular activities, and just help people at my school,” Summers said.

Leaders of Crosby Scholars and alumnae spoke during Tuesday’s breakfast, as well as former WXII 12 News Anchor Cameron Kent, who was the guest speaker of the event.

To watch the full story on Breakfast of Champions visit wxii12.com.

Crosby Scholar Joshua Cloud never missed a day of school! Headed to NCCU.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem Journal — Until this year, Joshua Cloud, a graduating senior at Atkins High School, didn’t even realize he’d never missed a day of school.

His perfect attendance means he went to school for approximately 2,340 days, starting in kindergarten.

He’s one of just a few seniors to do so this year.

Cloud, 18, said it was harder to achieve perfect attendance during the pandemic, when classes were held online, stressing how exhausting it was.

“(It’s) hard to get yourself out of the bed when you have to just get yourself on the computer,” he said.

Cloud is studying health sciences at Atkins, a high school specializing in STEM. He’ll attend North Carolina Central University in the fall and plans to be a pre-med major.

At Akins, he is involved in National Honor Society, Black Achievers, and African American Males Pursuing Educational Dreams as a Crosby Scholar. He also played basketball all four years of high school and lettered.

Outside of school, he volunteers in his community.

Not only did he achieve perfect attendance, but his mother Deborah Barr-Cloud noted that he also kept up his grades, which allowed for his induction into the National Honor Society.

“(He) did that during the pandemic,” Barr-Cloud said, “…and (he) need(s) to be rewarded for that.”

Cloud said that his primary motivation for going to class every day was to make sure he did not make more work for himself by missing assignments.

Barr-Cloud also credits her son’s successful attendance record to him only getting sick during spring breaks.

As well, she said that as an only child, Cloud had to learn responsibility from working alone.

“(This is a) feel good moment (to) let other students know it can be done,” his mom said. “People deserve to have a feel-good moment.”

To watch the full interview visit journalnow.com.

Pictured with Mrs. Mona Lovett, President & CEO of Crosby Scholars, at Breakfast of Champions on May 24, 2022.

Bank of America Names Crosby Scholars as Neighborhood Champion

December 2, 2021

Bank of America Names Crosby Scholars as Neighborhood Champion in Recognition of their Work to Advance Economic Mobility in the Triad

Program Provides $50,000 in Grant Support and an Opportunity for Virtual Leadership Training

Winston-Salem, NC – Programs that help address the local issues around education, economic opportunity and workforce development will be able to scale, helping even more people through a multi-year grant from Bank of America. Crosby Scholars has been named as the 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Champion for its work in the Triad community addressing these issues.

As part of the program, Crosby Scholars will receive $50,000 in grant support and the opportunity to participate in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector on topics like human capital management, increasing financial sustainability and storytelling.

The Crosby Scholars Community Partnership prepares students in public middle and high schools in Forsyth County academically, personally, and financially for college admission and other post-secondary opportunities best suited to each student’s goals, abilities, and needs. Crosby Scholars has community partnerships with Forsyth Promise, the United Way of Forsyth County, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and The Winston-Salem Foundation to deliver on their mission. In 2012, an alliance was formed with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina establishing Crosby Scholars as an independent affiliate of Goodwill.

With a 29-year history of providing all aspects of career and college exploration, including but not limited to hosting career education sessions, admissions and financial aid workshops, college campus visits, community service opportunities and cultural experiences, as well as providing over $980,000 in scholarships and Last Dollar Grants for college tuition annually. Crosby Scholars now serves more than 11,000 students each year and has assisted 34,480 Forsyth County students to prepare for college and for life. This multi-year grant from Bank of America will enable Crosby Scholars to help even more students and families receive access to much-needed support and services.

Community leader Paul Fulton shared, “Nothing could please me more than having Bank of America step up for Crosby Scholars, as they have for so many other organizations in the Triad community.”

“Providing equitable access to academic tools, resources and support is transformative to future success,” said President of Bank of America Triad Greg Cox.” In supporting the mission of Crosby Scholars, not only will it reimagine the possibilities for the students but improve the health of our local economy and community.”

“Crosby Scholars is committed to equity in education. We see ourselves as part of the fabric of the community, and we do not want to leave anyone behind. We have made strong progress with students who enroll in the Crosby Scholars program, but there are still too many students who do not see college in their future,” said President and CEO of Crosby Scholars Mona Lovett. “Our team has the passion for this work, and that is not something that can be taught. Bolstering our team's management skills will benefit our students. By providing them the skills to become stronger managers, we will be able to meet the needs of more students at risk of being left behind. We cannot reach our community's goals unless we move everyone forward.”

Alongside the Triad, the bank will bring the program to over 42 additional communities across the U.S. this fall as part of its commitment to investing in the long-term health of communities. The Neighborhood Champions program is invitation-only for nonprofits who are poised to take their work to the next level. Leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardee.

The Neighborhood Champions program is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country after 17 years and more than $285M investment across 92 communities in the U.S. Since the Neighborhood Champion’s program inception in 2019, Bank of America has invested $6.3 million in 126 organizations within 42 communities through the Neighborhood Champions program.

Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

###

Program Helps African American Males Pursue their Academic Dreams

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — (WGHP) — Richard Watts spends a lot of his time talking to students during their school day.

“We’ll visit the schools during the lunch period and not take away from any academic time,” he said.

The kids walk away with a life lesson after every visit and every monthly workshop.

“We’ve had programs where we’ve had Guys with Ties, where we’ve taught young men how to tie a tie, an elevator speech,” he told us. “We just finished a car maintenance 101 talking about how to build a car, take care of a car.”

Watts was the principal at Winston-Salem Prep before retiring from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

“I stayed out of retirement for one month and Crosby called me and said, ‘Hey we’ve got something you might be looking to do.’ She shared with me about the program and I said yes I’ll join right away.”

“Crosby” is the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership. It’s a free college access program for students enrolled in WSFCS. “She” is Mona Lovett, the president and CEO.

“We’re open to everyone,” she explained. “We don’t turn anyone away. But we saw we were recruiting African-American males, but they weren’t completing the program at the same rates as other students.”

That led them to create the AAMPED program. AAMPED stands for African-American Males Pursuing Educational Dreams. Will Tibbs is in charge of outreach. He’s also one of Watts’ former Winston-Salem Prep students.

“I try to reach out to men of color, specifically the African American males in Forsyth County area and just trying to connect with them to let them know there are people who look like them who are successful and you can be successful as a young black man despite your circumstances or the people around you or your environment,” he said.

“We start at sixth grade because we know that’s a pivotal time academically,” added Lovett. “It’s a pivotal time in regards to who they’re connecting with and their friend groups and having positive role models and peer groups.”

“They just talk to you about tools that make you successful in life that you can use and pursing that education,” Mack David said.

He’s a senior at West Forsyth High School. He joined AAMPED last year.

“You can talk to them whenever,” he told us. “So if you have a problem with anything, really anything school-related or outside of school, they’re here to help you.”

“Typically during the school day, it’s not much of a challenge there. But when they’re at home, in an environment with their peers, and there’s pressure coming from here and there,” Watts added.

“So it’s really hard to not navigate, but stay from those things because some people don’t know right from wrong so they do those things. But we just try to keep our head on straight and pray and do the right thing,” David also said.

We’ve shared stories about young Black men involved in crimes around the Piedmont. We’ve seen the rallies with people calling on young Black men to stop the violence. We’ve also heard people ask where the mentors are to help show them a better way. AAMPED exists to show everyone they’re right here.

“We often hear students say, ‘I didn’t know about that,’ or, ‘I didn’t know if anybody thought that’s something I should be a part of,’” Lovett said. “So often I say you have to take students by the hand, let them know you care and bring them to things.”

“We feel in Crosby and in AAMPED that if we can have young men graduate from high school, go to a college, a four-year school and then give back to the community, that’s going to make the city of Winston-Salem a better place for all of us,” Watts said.

Right now AAMPED is working with Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine to expose young men to medical careers.

To watch the full story on AAMPED visit myfox8.com.

Student Community Service Opportunities

Not sure where to begin? Start by thinking of things you are passionate about! Then, look for something related to that. Connecting your passions with the community's needs can help you find a meaningful community service experience.

Love animals? With ZSL Instant Wild, you can help review digital images and videos of animals in the wild to assist with conservation efforts!

Want to search by skill and interest? Check out the Love Out Loud Volunteer Base to find local opportunities related to your passions and skills to find service opportunities you will love!

Enjoy history, science, and artifacts? The Smithsonian Transcription Center relies on digital volunteers to help transcribe items. You can help others engage in immersive learning experiences through the Smithsonian!

Questions? Please contact us!

Crosby + Sparks - Spring Break 
2 opportunities to serve during WSFCS Spring Break 2025

Virtual Opportunities

View a list of current virtual community service opportunities submitted to Crosby Scholars below. Click on the opportunity for more information. 

In-Person Opportunities

View a list of current in-person community service opportunities submitted to Crosby Scholars below. Click on the opportunity for more information.