Scholarship Information
Applicant Criteria and Eligibility
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Must be a current graduating high school senior
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Must have a documented GPA of 2.5 or higher
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Must be a resident of the greater St. Louis area (MO and IL)
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Must have documented 40 hours of community service
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Must be a documented Golf Foundation of Missouri summer camp participant
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The candidate must be attending an accredited two to four-year college, university, junior college, trade or vocational school in the United States upon graduation.
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Applicants that have already received a technical or secondary degree are not eligible.
Application Process and Submission
Each applicant must provide:
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A written 1-2 page essay outlining the importance of this scholarship to them and how they plan to “pay it forward” and give back to the community.
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An outline of 40 community service hours that they provided or plan to provide before leaving for higher education. For each listed service, the applicant must provide a name and their contact information for verification.
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Finalists will participate in an in-person or virtual interview.
Finalists will be evaluated by the following qualities: ambition, commitment, future goals, intellectual ability, community involvement, character and financial need.
Larry L. Deskins, Sr. was a dedicated lawyer and proud St. Louisan. He was widely recognized for his work counseling banking institutions, public school districts, business entrepreneurs and more. He was the first African-American to be elevated to partner by a major St. Louis law firm. An avid golfer, Larry was also a GFM board member and served as a mentor to local underprivileged children.
Larry believed in giving back to the community, developing young minds, and that education and hard work are the key to success. He mentored and inspired young African American men and women on the importance of these principles and helped them to expand their minds and pursue their dreams.
The Larry L. Deskins, Sr. Scholarship for Underprivileged Youth was founded in late 2020 to honor Larry and to recognize the impact he had on the lives of those around him. The scholarship awards up to $4,000 a year to 1-2 finalists to support alumni campers continue their education in college, trade or vocational schools.
A Man of Character
Education was a passion and life-long process for Larry. Often, he would read three books at a time. He loved to learn and to share his knowledge with others. He was an avid golfer, student of Tai Chi, and a problem solver.
Intellectual Ability
At a young age Larry wanted to pursue law. He went on to become a successful business attorney and the first African American partner at Lewis Rice, a major St. Louis Law firm.
Ambition, Goals and Commitment
As a mentor and community leader, Larry supported many education, art and youth programs. He was also a dedicated Board member to GFM.
Community Involvement
Larry lived his life by one of his favorite quotes from Martin Luther King:
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Character
Applications are now being accepted and are due by 3/31/2023. The application is hosted by My Scholarship Central. Click on the link below to apply!
Informational flyer are requirements are available here.
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