Armature Scholarship Program Awards $42,000 in Scholarships to LA Students

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Foundation for Louisiana's Armature Scholarship Program Announces Five Scholarships to Support Students of Color and LGBTQIA Students Pursuing Arts Education

 

The Armature Scholarship Program at Foundation for Louisiana is proud to announce the awarding of $42,000 in scholarships to five exceptionally talented and deserving students of color and LGBTQIA students pursuing post-secondary education in the arts. This announcement comes at a critical moment, as the recent Supreme Court affirmative action decision underscores the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in education.

In its ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts, the Armature Scholarship Program at Foundation for Louisiana has chosen to recognize and support five remarkable young individuals poised to make a significant impact in the world of arts and culture.

The scholarship recipients were selected based on their outstanding achievements, dedication, and potential contributions to the field of arts. These scholarships are designed to provide financial support and remove barriers to higher education for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

The scholarship recipients attend schools across Louisiana and showcase a breadth of creativity and skills. Kazlon Lewis, a senior pursuing Culinary Arts at Nicholls State University, demonstrates a unique and innovative approach to culinary arts. Kazlon’s culinary creations not only tantalize the taste buds but also serve as a form of cultural expression and exploration. Enne Samuel, a talented freshman studying Theater Arts at Loyola University, brings a fresh perspective to the theater world. Enne’s dedication to storytelling through theater promises to break new ground in the field of performing arts. Other scholarship recipients include: a freshman studying Theater Design at the University of New Orleans who has shown remarkable talent and creativity in designing immersive theatrical experiences; a senior majoring in Performing Arts at Grambling State University who has honed their skills over the years, becoming a powerhouse performer with the potential to captivate audiences on a grand scale; and a junior pursuing Studio Art at Southeastern Louisiana University who has demonstrated exceptional artistic ability and a commitment to exploring diverse artistic mediums and challenging boundaries in the world of visual arts.

Charmel Gaulden, CEO and President of Foundation for Louisiana, expressed the foundation’s enthusiasm for this year’s scholarship recipients, saying, “We are thrilled to support these five exceptional individuals who are not only immensely talented but also passionate advocates for diversity and inclusion in the arts. In light of recent events, providing opportunities for these voices to be heard is more important than ever.”

Kazlon Lewis shared his insightful perspective, stating, "Within this day and age, you would presume that with our advancements in technology, there would be an advancement in society, but there isn’t. With current laws, we’re losing our rights faster than when we had legally granted them. And even though the state of the country is daunting, we need always to remember that we have support somewhere and that we see each other. It matters because the more lives that feel seen will lead to lives that feel valid, which will lead to saving lives because they’ll know that they aren’t alone and are valued and loved."

Enne Samuel expressed gratitude for the scholarship, stating, "Receiving this scholarship solidified my position in the world. I lean on Foundation for Louisiana's faith in me to do something with myself. To learn. To become. Because of you all, I can attend university in the first place. I can focus on building my creative armory without worrying about where my next meal comes from."

The Armature Scholarship Program at Foundation for Louisiana continues to make strides in promoting diversity and equity within the arts, and this year's scholarship recipients are exemplary embodiments of the program's mission.

About the Foundation for Louisiana Armature Scholarship Program

The Armature Scholarship Program at Foundation for Louisiana is committed to supporting students of color and LGBTQIA students pursuing post-secondary education in the arts. Through scholarships and mentorship, the program aims to empower and amplify the voices of underrepresented artists, fostering a more inclusive and diverse arts community.

For more information about the Armature Scholarship program or setting up a scholarship program in partnership with Foundation for Louisiana, contact Caryn Blair a cblair@foundationforlouisiana.org