CHICAGO - Feb. 16, 2021 - The Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation (ETSF) is awarding scholarships and prizes during a FREE virtual workshop equipping students on how to pay for college. Secure the Bag will be held virtually on Saturday, February 20th at 10amCST. The workshop, sponsored by Western Governors University (WGU), will provide insider knowledge on how to secure college scholarships and grants, how to write winning scholarship essays, and how to exit college without being saddled with massive debt.
"There are wealthy families who pay thousands of dollars for consultants to work with their children to secure college funding, so right from the very beginning, the playing is not level," says Tenisha Taylor, Ezekiel Taylor Scholarship Foundation CEO. "We're trying to level the playing field to help minority and lower income students have access to this wealth of knowledge, without having to pay for it," she says.
The workshop features accomplished educators and education consultants in the area of college financial planning. Dr. Towanda Harris is an educator, educational consultant, and author. She brings more than 20 years of experience as the owner of Harris Innovation Consulting, and as a mother who has recently secured funding for her son to attend Pepperdine University. Marilyn Gilbert-Mitchell has assisted hundreds of students secure the college dream with minimal debt. With more than 25 years as an educator, certified college admissions counselor and owner of MGM College Services, LLC she can help students 'Secure The Bag.'
Western Governors University (WGU) is the title sponsor for the workshop. WGU is an online, nonprofit university that offers more than 60 bachelor's and master's degrees in the high-demand fields of business, IT, teacher education, and healthcare at an affordable price. "Talent is universal but opportunity isn't," says Dr. Terrance Hopson, WGU Midwest Regional Director. "We have to do our part to tackle inequalities in education but also work with organizations, such as the Ezekiel Taylor Foundation, to make sure that we are expanding access to higher education on a larger scale. We want to provide learners with the tools they need to complete their education, advance their career and, ultimately, enhance their life" he adds.
"We are thrilled to have the support of WGU on this initiative," says Taylor. "This partnership reinforces WGU's commitment of recruiting and retaining students of color, helping them add and supporting the communities they represent." Taylor's father, Ezekiel Taylor, was killed in Chicago's ruthless gun violence. The family-run foundation, named in his honor, has awarded dozens of scholarships to young men.
Saturday's workshop is open to ALL students and parents across the country. Scholarships & prizes will be awarded on the spot. To register visit www.EZTaylor.org
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Tenisha Taylor
