The Houston Health Foundation (HHF), the Houston Health Department's Bureau of Youth & Adolescent Health (BYAH), and the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Program awarded 50 scholarships totaling $400,000 to MBK-affiliated students.

Freeport LNG generously pledged $1 million in scholarship funds to support MBK-affiliated youth by providing them with an opportunity to pursue their dreams through higher education. With their support, 103 scholarships have been funded to date, providing much-needed resources that allow students to attend colleges, universities, and technical institutes in the fall. 

Didi Chavis, chief of staff for Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, presented a proclamation honoring MBK Houston and Freeport LNG. Mayor of Houston John Whitmire commended the program and its partners, "It's an honor to be part of an event that recognizes such incredible young talent," Mayor Whitmire said. "These students represent the future, and seeing these organizations come together and support their journey is inspiring."

MBK initiatives have supported the higher education goals of students now attending schools all over the U.S., including Northeastern University, Prairie View A&M University, and Morehouse College, to name a few.  The scholarship programs support MBK-affiliated students through mentoring programs throughout the city, such as 100 Black Men, Social Justice Learning Institute, 8 Million Stories, and TFI.

Scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic achievements, community involvement, and leadership potential. Many students awarded are the first person in their family to attend college. 

“Freeport LNG is honored to support MBK Houston in their mission of empowering our youth.  Education and workforce development are key corporate philanthropy focus areas for our company,” said Lance Goodwin, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Innovation, Freeport LNG. “We congratulate the 2024 MBK Houston R.I.S.E. Scholars and their families and wish the scholars well in their continued education and life journeys.”

Robin Mansur, President of the Houston Health Foundation, emphasized the importance of the scholarship program. "We are thrilled to support these talented students as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship program is a testament to our dedication to fostering educational success as an early step in promoting the brilliant futures for communities of color."

For more information about MBK or how to support the scholarship fund, please visit www.houstonhealthfoundation.org or contact developmenthhf@houstonhealthfoundation.org

Media Contact:

Maurice Perkins

Houston Health Foundation

Email: Maurice.Perkins@houstonhealthfoundation.org