A 2015 graduate of Northwestern State University created a scholarship to benefit young minority males seeking a degree, while honoring his mother, a single parent. Trevor McCray of Baton Rouge created the Davis-McCray Minority Male Scholarship with eligibility open to undergraduate students in any major for $500 for two semesters. Applicants must submit an essay, three letters of recommendation and maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or better for both semesters. The first scholarship will be awarded for the Fall 2017 semester.

“I’m hoping to give someone a better opportunity than I had going through my undergraduate journey with a financial struggle. I also hope to give someone the opportunity to excel at their studies without the burden of financial crisis bearing down on them,” McCray said. “My ultimate aspiration with this scholarship is to encourage minority males that regardless of their situation, there is nothing they cannot conquer.”

McCray earned a degree in criminal justice with a minor in pre-law and paralegal studies at NSU last December. He is pursuing a master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education at Louisiana State University. He noticed that minority student resources at predominantly white institutions were underfunded and he wanted to create a gift to ease the financial burden for minority males.

“Trevor was a hardworking, involved student at NSU,” said Jamie Flanagan, director of Student Support Services. “He was active within several organizations on campus and participated in many service activities which included giving back to the community on and off Northwestern’s campus. He has always promoted academics and the need for more black males to educate themselves and become productive citizens.”

McCray included his mother’s maiden name, Davis, in the scholarship as a way to honor her. He described his mother, Casandra M. Davis, as “a powerful, intelligent and caring lady that never asked for much and has gone without to make sure everyone else had what they need.”