CBCF and GlaxoSmithKline Unveil New Scholarship Program
To Increase Minority Presence in the Sciences

(WASHINGTON, D.C.)  Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) President Weldon J. Rougeau has announced the first winners of CBCF / Vivien Thomas Scholarship for Medical Science and Research, a new initiative to encourage African American students interested in pursuing degrees in science and math. These scholarships are sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
A primary focus area for the Foundation is Education,  said Rougeau. We are very much aware of the dearth of young African Americans in the fields of science and math. We also know that these fields require extensive studies, and the related expense can be a deterrent to some students. This scholarship gives us a tool to help breakdown financial barriers and encourage students to follow their dreams. 

The CBCF / Vivien Thomas Scholarship for Medical Science and Research totals $500,000 over a 4-year period. Sponsored by research-based pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the scholarship will be awarded to African American students interested in pursuing degrees in science and medicine. The award will be given to deserving students in high school or college. Each student will receive $10,000 a year, with an opportunity to renew each year.

GSK s support of this scholarship is part of its Healthy CommunitiesÔ initiative, a health education and outreach program designed to advance healthy living among African Americans. The initiative complements other GSK disease education programs designed to reach multicultural populations.
The Healthy Communities initiative was inspired by the American Experience documentary, Partners of the Heart,  which tells the courageous story of Vivien Thomas, an African American medical pioneer. Mr. Thomas overcame the obstacles and barriers of racism and prejudice to conduct research and invent a number of cardiac surgical tools that remain in use today. Although he had only a high school education, Mr. Thomas trained and mentored hundreds of surgeons, many of whom are recognized leaders in their fields today.

Vivien Thomas is an inspiration to all Americans,  said Stan Hull, Sr. VP Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline. His ability to triumph over adversity is the cornerstone around which we developed the GSK Healthy CommunitiesÔ program. Through this program and scholarship, we hope to inspire and enable students to pursue educational opportunities while honoring and continuing the legacy of Dr. Thomas. His life story and achievements should be understood, recognized and celebrated by all Americans."

The 2003 winners are Martina Sanders-Spight of Detroit, MI; Zachary Maxey of College Park, GA; Dominique Hopkins of Detroit, MI; Tigisti Kidane of Boston, MA; Sheveen Greene of Bronx, NY; Jessica Corral of Clarkston, GA; Jamila Montague of Pine Bluff, AR; Megan Goins of Detroit, MI; Stacy Pinckney of Catonsville, MD; and Michelle Reid of Atlanta, GA.
"The sponsorship of this scholarship by GlaxoSmithKline helps our organization move more forcefully toward its role as an educator of future leaders," said Rougeau.

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The Annual Legislative Conference is the premier fund-raising event for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF), which supports the creation and administration of innovative programs addressing issues critical to the well-being and advancement of African Americans and the African Diaspora. CBCF, which is located in Washington, D.C., was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and educational institute. The CBCF educates future leaders and promotes collaboration among community and business leaders and organized labor to effect positive and sustainable change in the African-American community. Learn more about the work of CBCFby visiting the official Web site.

The CBCF serves as a nonpartisan, policy-oriented catalyst to educate future leaders and promote collaboration among community and business leaders, minority-focused organizational leaders, and organized labor to effect positive and substantive change in the African American community.