Related Midwest and Related Affordable Foundation announce college scholarship awarded to long time Parkway Gardens resident to attend Northern Illinois University

CHICAGO—The Related Affordable Foundation announced today that it will award Parkway Gardens resident Kemarion Bryant a scholarship as he enters Northern Illinois University (NIU) this fall. Related Affordable Foundation’s Scholarship Program invites high school seniors who reside at Related Affordable properties, to apply for scholarships to support their pursuit of higher education at trade and technical schools, colleges and universities. 

Bryant, a Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy High School graduate who served on the Principal Student Advisory Council, will major in performing arts at NIU to pursue professional-level acting and dance opportunities, a passion he developed through participating in After School Matters’ “Take the Stage” drama program. Bryant’s application described how he overcame the challenges of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and will use those skills to succeed in college.

“I’m grateful to the Related Affordable Foundation for supporting me as I continue my education at NIU,” Bryant said. “I believe in the power of telling inspirational and relatable stories, and I want to be a role model, especially for people who have backgrounds and identities similar to mine.” 

“High school students like Kemarion deserve to pursue their career goals with the full support of their communities,” said Leleah James, the Executive Director of the Related Affordable Foundation. “We were moved by Kemarion’s passion and his sense of responsibility towards his community, and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes as he furthers his education.” 

“At Related Midwest we believe whole heartedly in breaking down barriers to opportunities where disparities and inequalities persist. We are so proud to be able to provide Chicago’s youth with the support to continue their education and help to create a path towards success,” said Curt Bailey, President of Related Midwest. “Kemarion has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to watching him thrive at NIU.”

The goal of the Related Affordable Foundation’s Scholarship Program is to eliminate the economic barriers that young adults in affordable housing often face while pursuing higher education. Affordable housing residents that meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for scholarship funding from the Related Affordable Foundation, with awards made on a rolling basis. For more information, please visit www.relatedaffordablefoundation.org.