Gladys Sweet Pathways to Success Scholarship
$1,000 Scholarship Opportunity for Deserving High School Seniors
Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey and honor the legacy of civil rights pioneers?
Named in honor of Dr. Ossian H. Sweet’s wife, the Gladys Sweet Pathways to Success Scholarship awards $1,000 to high school seniors entering college. This scholarship celebrates the courage, resilience, and enduring legacy of the Sweet family.
This scholarship not only supports your educational goals but also challenges you to reflect on the significance of the historic 1925 Sweet Incident, a landmark moment in the fight for justice and equality in America.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Award Date: September 1, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Qualifications to apply for this prestigious award:
- Graduate from a high school (Wayne, Macomb, Oakland Counties) with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- Admission to an accredited college or university of higher learning.
- Submit one (1) letter of recommendation:
- your high school principal or teacher.
- a prominent member of your community
(e.g., clergy, mentor, or local leader).
- Provide your high school transcript showing your GPA.
- Write and submit a 500-word essay on the significance of the 1925 Sweet Incident and its impact on American culture.
- Be prepared to submit your college acceptance letter and enrollment information upon selection.
2024 Pathways to Success Scholarship Recipients:
Shauna Collin
Harper Ellis Jackson
Harper Ellis Jackson
"Dr. Ossian Sweet’s story stands as a powerful testament to potential and progress, inspiring change both within the Black community and beyond."
Harper Ellis Jackson
Harper Ellis Jackson
Harper Ellis Jackson
"I am deeply grateful for courageous and intelligent trailblazers like Dr. Ossian Sweet, whose efforts paved the way for the civil rights African Americans enjoy today."
Je’Den Morrison
Harper Ellis Jackson
Je’Den Morrison
"Sweet's influence went beyond this particular case. His campaign for president of the NAACP Detroit branch in 1930 was evidence of his continued dedication to civil rights. Through his efforts, a larger audience was made aware of the brutal reality of racial violence and segregation, which served to spark support for racial equality."
Michael Wilbert
Michael Wilbert
Je’Den Morrison
"Dr. Sweet's story is a powerful reminder of the courage required to confront and dismantle the systemic racism that sought to destroy black families and limit their aspirations."
Perriel Pace
Michael Wilbert
Ivan Blueford
“Dr. Sweet's story sheds light on the role of community involvement and solidarity in the struggle for justice. Today, his legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the need for continued advocacy against systemic racism.”
Ivan Blueford
Michael Wilbert
Ivan Blueford
“It's incredible to realize that I grew up just around the corner from the Sweet House on St. Clair. Dr. Sweet's courageous stand marked the first Black presence in the neighborhood, paving the way for families like mine. My grandparents migrated from Birmingham, Alabama, to Detroit and eventually settled in this community in 1968. Now, I truly understand and appreciate the sacrifices made for us to call this place home.”