ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Mission

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship empowers the youth to achieve their full academic and leadership potential despite obstacles often put before them to make a significant impact on society. The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship promotes positive change for children through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service.  

About Mr. William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship

ESPOIR Youth Programs, Inc. has created the William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of the memory and legacy of a man who was well-known, loved and appreciated.  He was a man who was both humble and caring, and his love for young people and wanting them to succeed in life drove him to do great things for the Westbury/New Cassel Community.  From the founding of the McCoy Center for Family and Youth Services, Mr. Pruitt devoted his professional life to Adolescent Development, Family Therapy, Quality and Performance Improvement, and Housing Development for underprivileged families.  Mr. Pruitt was a man who truly cared about strengthening the fabric of families and nurturing young people in order for them to achieve their academic goals. The legacy Mr. Pruitt left behind is immense, and it will never be forgotten.  In fact, without the efforts of Mr. Pruitt who came before, ESPOIR Youth Programs, Inc. would not be in the position it is in today.  We see Pruitt metaphorically as like the quarterback who handed the ball off to the running back to take it into the end zone.  Mr. Pruitt faithfully handed the ball off to Dr. Samarth Joseph in 2015 after he moved to Maryland, to take up the space – and the children – he had for McCoy.  ESPOIR’s board has diligently taken up the task of leading ESPOIR in such a way that Mr. Pruitt would have approved.  Mr. Pruitt also served on ESPOIR’s board of directors for two years after his retirement.  Additionally, he was honored at ESPOIR’s 2015 fundraiser. Though retired, Mr. Pruitt remained faithful and committed to the cause of raising up future young leaders, even seeking to continue his work in Maryland before his death.  There is not a more deserving person for ESPOIR to dedicate a scholarship fund on his behalf.  It is a great honor for ESPOIR to have the William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship Fund, it is our hope to continue building up this scholarship fund on behalf of such a great man and all that he stood for, all that he cared about, and everything he loved doing for the young people and families of the Westbury/New Cassel community.  

Scholarship

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship gives a direct financial contribution to children’s educational development.  Parents are encouraged to make sure their children are taking this opportunity and use the fund toward their children’s educational development.  

Mentorship

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship builds rewarding, personal relationship and serve as exemplary role model for children as well as to provide scholars with advice on academic decisions.

Leadership Development

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship provides training for children in leadership development accountability and advocacy for its scholars through its programs by providing scholars with the exposure of leadership at different nonprofits and leading companies.

APPLY

Eligibility Requirements

Student must be a current resident of Westbury, New Cassel Community.  A former or a current participant of ESPOIR Youth Programs Inc.  Also, student must be a senior in high school with excellent academic performance.  Applicant must be accepted in a four year college or university.

Apply Now

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship application is available online during a designated scholarship application period; generally March 1^st through May 25^th.  And/or you can request a hard copy to be mailed to you as well.  The scholarship selection process begins with a thorough review of all applicants by a trained team.  The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship announces its new scholarship the last week of May of every year, and scholarship is given in June during at the school ceremony.  Below is the Student’s Scholarship Application Package.

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship

Student Application Requirements

Two $500 Scholarships will be awarded to two senior high school students.  Student must be a current resident of Westbury, New Cassel Community. A former or a current participant of ESPOIR Youth Programs Inc.  Also, student must be a senior in high school with excellent academic performance.

Applicant must be accepted in a four year college or university.

The complete package must be received by 12:00 pm on May 25^th of each year and must include each of the following:

1. Student Application
2. Two Letter of Recommendation
3. Essay
4. School Transcript; documentation of GED Completion (if applicable)

INCOMPLETE AND LATE PACKAGES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

HOW SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS ARE CHOSEN?

1. Grade point average 2.9 or higher
2. Quality of essay
3. Two letters of recommendation – are required
4. Review and selection by the William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship Committee

IF YOU ARE SELECTED TO RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP

1. You will be notified by the first week of June.
2. You must sign a promissory note to show proof of enrollment in an accredited institution by the fall term of the school year, and provide documentation of such enrollment no later than August 31^st of the year. If not, you will return the scholarship check to Espoir Youth Programs Inc., and, if possible, it will be awarded to an alternate recipient.

Application must be received by 12:00 p.m. on May 25^th of each academic school year.

Please Download The William Pruitt Memorial Sponsorship Student Application Form Download Student Application Form

CONTRIBUTE

Ways to Give

The William Pruitt Memorial Scholarship Fund has two levels to give. First, a yearly sponsorship for TWO children from age 6 through 13 who are participants of Espoir Youth Programs Inc.  This scholarship will cover their two out of state field trips per year and Science Technology Engineering, Math supplies.  These fees total $80 per month.  Therefore, for 10 months of school, it will be $800 per child.  We would like to have your support to cover a yearly fee of $800 for one child.

But if you want to sponsor more than one child, please let us know. What you will enjoy?  Your name and/or your company’s name will be on our media coverage, including our monthly newsletter, website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Westbury Times, News12 and Daily News.  In addition, you will have two free tickets to attend our yearly gala, and be recognized as a sponsor of this great scholarship.  If interested to become a sponsor, please fill out the pledge form and return it to us as soon as possible. Pledge Online or Please Download The William Pruitt Memorial Sponsorship Pledge Form Download Sponsorship Pledge Form The Second level has to do with giving a yearly scholarship check of $500 to two senior high school students from the Westbury High School who are going to college.  In this case, a sponsor can mail us a one time check of $500, or the sponsor can send us a $250 twice in the year.

These checks can be mailed to the following address:
Espoir Youth Programs, Inc.
P.O. Box 573
Westbury, NY 11590