Support The Shani Scholarship Today!

During the State of Black UC Forum held in October 2015, African American students shared with alumni that in order to better compete for job opportunities with their non-Black counterparts, they would benefit from financial assistance to pursue study-abroad and international co-op opportunities. The African American Alumni Affiliate (4A) volunteer board took action.

In 2017, the Shani Scholarship was created to help defray the costs of international experiences. Shani is a Swahili word that roughly translates to “to travel.” Over the past three years, nine students have received a total of $6,000 to study in countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa, France, Portugal, India, Botswana and the United Kingdom.

The Onyx & Ruby Gala has been the primary fundraiser for the Shani Scholarship. Following the 2020 event, the Shani Scholarship Fund grew to more than $60,000, reaching endowment level and ensuring the award will exist in perpetuity. But since the 2021 Onyx & Ruby Gala is a virtual event due to the health crisis, our fundraising momentum is in jeopardy.

The 4A volunteer board seeks your help in reaching this year’s goal of raising $20,000 for the Shani Scholarship. Your generous gift will give underrepresented students the opportunity of a lifetime: to experience other countries and cultures while preparing them to compete in the global workforce. By making an impact here, we will be able to grow the number of awards we are able to give out each year, as well as the dollar amount of each. If you have any questions, please email Justin Gibson, Program Director for Diversity Outreach and Engagement, or call (513) 556-4312.

Donors who give $75 or more will be eligible to receive a Boldly Bearcat camper mug. Estimated fair market value of the camper mug is $15. Only the portion of your donation that exceeds the fair market value is tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor for more information.