Baptist Pastors Council creates scholarship fund for minorities

Details of the scholarship for minority students are still being worked out.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Baptist Pastors Council of Youngstown & amp; Vicinity announced the creation of the Martin Luther & amp; Coretta Scott King Testament of Hope Scholarship Fund.
A preview of the new scholarship for minority students at Youngstown State University was unveiled Tuesday during a press conference at Beulah Baptist Church, 570 Sherwood Ave.
The ministers said they will seek funds from various sources including donations, pledges and estates to benefit the scholarship fund. The Rev. Lewis Macklin II, program chairman, said the drive for donations to the scholarship fund will continue to September.
The council hopes to raise $50,000 to fund the scholarship program. This new scholarship is part of a challenge grant that includes all minority scholarships. Details, including the amounts of individual scholarships, how many will be awarded and when, have yet to be worked out.
Fund established
Youngstown State University and its Office of Student Diversity and Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity have formed a partnership with the council to create the fund. The Youngstown State University Foundation has committed to matching designated scholarship money.
Contributions to the fund by check or money order should be sent to the King's Testament of Hope Scholarship Fund in care of The Baptist Pastors Council, P.O. Box 6216, Youngstown 44501.
Donations and pledges also will be accepted during a memorial worship service and program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St.
The Rev. Michael F. Thurman, pastor of the historic Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Ala., will be the keynote speaker. The MLK Community Fellowship Choir will perform.