Local alumnus seeks community donations to grow Ramona Wells scholarship for students of color

William Wells, a Brockton graduate, used the School Committee public comment period on April 1 to describe the Ramona Wells scholarship and ask for community support.

Wells said he started the scholarship in 2020 in his mother’s name to encourage students of color to pursue careers in education and other youth-serving work. The scholarship award is $1,200. Wells told the committee he had raised $10,000 at an earlier time and had since distributed awards and donations to local youth groups: $1,500 to FAM, $500 to the Brockton Sports Foundation, and $2,500 to Stages Dance Company in Randolph.

Wells said only students from New Heights have applied so far and that he hopes to broaden outreach to Brockton High School and other city organizations. He said he plans to incorporate the scholarship as a 501(c)(3) foundation this summer to expand programming and qualify for grant funding. Wells said he is seeking to raise another $10,000 by the end of the summer to increase awards and community grants.

Application requirements Wells read to the committee included: a minimum GPA of 3.0, active community involvement, demonstration of “grit and merit” inside and outside school, and an application video explaining the applicant’s goals. Wells emphasized that funds are held in a separate account and used only for scholarships or youth-serving organizations.

Speakers quoted in this article include William Wells, who presented the scholarship details during the hearing of visitors.