Leon M. Poe Scholarship Foundation

The Leon M. Poe Scholarship Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the STEM fields. It supports minority college students pursuing four-year degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) by providing financial support, tools, and mentorship.

Background

The organization was founded by Edana Jones, a graduate of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Edana's experiences as often being the sole African American and female in her internships and professional career inspired her to support STEM students from historically underserved backgrounds. The foundation is named in honor of her father, Leon M. Poe, who encouraged her to explore various majors and schools, passing away during her freshman year of college.

Purpose

The foundation aims to foster a more diverse and inclusive environment in STEM education by empowering students who are underrepresented in these fields. It seeks to help students succeed in their STEM career paths through scholarships and mentorship.

Scholarship Program

To be eligible for the Leon M. Poe Scholarship, applicants must be full-time students at a four-year U.S. college or university, pursuing a bachelor's degree in a STEM-related field. They must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and belong to historically underserved populations or be female. The scholarship amount varies, and applications are typically due in August.

Tax Status

The Leon M. Poe Scholarship Foundation is classified as an educational organization and is eligible for tax-deductible donations. However, detailed financial data may not be available due to its status as a small organization.