Vietnam Vets donate $10K in scholarships for Detroit public school students

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Some students in Detroit are getting a huge boost to make their career dreams come true in the form of a big scholarship.

The Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 9 have awarded $10,000 in scholarships to students in Detroit Public Schools. 

"It means a lot to me personally into the Vietnam veterans. If Detroiters are going to succeed they need to succeed with jobs," said Paul Palazolo, President VVA Chapter 9.

Jobs that students will hopefully get it after they apply their scholarships to work in the skilled trades, JROTC, or secondary education. 

"Great program for young individuals teaching them leader ship, Life skills and empowering them to be better members of their community," said Col. George Pettigrew, Director of Army Instruction for DPS.

So, there are four $2,500 scholarships. One will be given to a junior ROTC member, another to a skilled trades senior at Philip Randolph Technical School, and two scholarships to some graduates in DPS.   

"Our superintendent always talks about not being an achievement gap or an opportunity gap and we're doing our best to fulfill opportunities," said Alycia Meriweather, deputy superintendent.

Today they are giving out four scholarships but in a year that Detroit Public Schools gave out 50 scholarships.

"They could pay for their college books other things. It's a good opportunity," said LaZae Mosley, a junior at Randolph Technical High School applying for scholarship.

In order to apply for the scholarships-- you have to go to the Detroit Public Schools Foundation website at http://www.dpsfdn.org/detroit-college-promise-2019-application/
 
Applications are due February 15th.