awarded scholarship for studying elementary education
Birmingham, AL (April 23, 2024) – University of Alabama at Birmingham student Tawanna Jenkins has been named a Nancy Larson Foundation Scholar and awarded a $1500 scholarship in recognition of her inspiring leadership, personal narrative, and academic achievement.
The Nancy Larson Foundation proudly supports students across the country majoring in elementary education by awarding scholarships to deserving students each year. Jenkins is one of nine recipients selected from the many applications received by the Foundation.
In her personal narrative, Tawanna shared, “I have always had the desire to be a teacher. When I was in elementary school, I had a younger cousin who struggled with reading. My aunt asked me to tutor him and we purchased Hooked on Phonics to use. We worked through the books and audio recordings. The excitement in his eyes when he would read a whole page unassisted has stuck with me my entire life. We had many ‘light bulb’ moments that year, and I would like to achieve many more of those moments as an elementary teacher. It is my ultimate goal to become a Reading Specialist. I firmly believe that if one can read and comprehend, there is absolutely nothing he/she cannot achieve!”
“Tawanna’s story about wanting to teach from an early age and recognizing those ‘light bulb’ moments was very insightful. That is exactly the type of life experience that forms the foundation of a wonderful career in education,” remarked Nancy Larson. “She understands what it takes to be a great teacher, a mentor, and an inspiration to children.”
Larson, an author, former teacher, and curriculum director, has dedicated her life to advancing elementary education. Nancy Larson® Science K–5 programs are classroom-tested and prepare children for upper-level science classes and careers in science. The program was written to provide in-depth science content in an easy-to-teach format.
About Nancy Larson Foundation
The Nancy Larson Foundation, founded in 2006 in Old Lyme, CT, awards prospective elementary educators scholarships to encourage and support their education. For more information, visit www.nancylarsonfoundation.org.