Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship

In 2017, our club lost a very dear friend and faithful member, Chanell E. Gatewood, after a long, hard battle with Scleroderma, Chanell is finally at rest. We honor Chanell with the Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship. This annual scholarship will go towards providing much needed educational resources for youth facing hardship from health, economic, and environmental challenges.

Chanell Elestine Gatewood was smart, articulate and always eager to learn more. This drive and thirst for knowledge led her to become the high achiever that she was. Chanell attended the Baldwin School of New York, where upon graduation, she earned the Alumni Award. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Coppin State University in Baltimore Maryland. Returning to New York, she was employed by the New York State Department of Probation Rikers Island Division. She served in the Department of Corrections for over two decades.

Chanell was a pillar of her community and many active organizations. To name a few: Rotary Club of Harlem, National Council of Negro Women, Danny D. Farrell Jr. Democratic Club New York City, New York City Board of Elections (Poll Worker), Probation Officers Guardians, New York City Representative of New York State Probation Officers Association.

In 2006, Chanell was diagnosed with Scleroderma, an auto-immune disease. Chanell took on the challenge of the illness like the champion she was, becoming the organization’s co-support group leader.

Chanell has been an inspiration to many and will continue to inspire a new generation of leaders with these scholarships. The Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship committee is proud to be entering into the THIRD year of applications.

Program Details

The Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship will be awarded annually as follows:

2 Middle School students will be selected for a scholarship of $250 each to apply to secondary or post-secondary education
2 High School students will be selected for a scholarship of $500 each to apply to post-secondary education

To be eligible to apply students must:

Submit the appropriate application form by February 28, 2020 to be considered for the 2020 award.
- Submit the application online (click on the appropriate link):
  - High School Student Application
  - Middle School Student Application
High School students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 or be actively in pursuit of a G.E.D. or high-school equivalency diploma. (submit a copy of a recent transcript. Transcript must include current academic year details.)
NOTE: GPA is NOT a criteria for selection, however, since the purpose of this scholarship is to advance post-secondary education goals, it is important to confirm that the applicants are eligible to apply for trade schools, workforce development programs or for university/college admission.
Students must live in Harlem and attend a New York City school (public or private).
Communicate to the committee clear academic goals and objectives.
Express an understanding and cultivation of the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self.” (Read more about Rotary International and the motto of “Service Above Self” here).
Exhibit involvement in service or community programs.
Students may re-apply in a new calendar year.
Be willing to attend a Rotary Club of Harlem meeting to share how the scholarship has impacted their academic goals.
High School students have the option of including with their application a short introduction video of themselves. Videos (if an applicant chooses to include them), should be be a minimum of 30 seconds in length and no longer than 1 minute. There is a space on the application to submit a link to view the video using either youtube.com or vimeo.com

Award announcements are released in April. If you have questions or need assistance, please email [email protected]

Donations to the scholarship fund are always appreciated.

Chanell E. Gatewood Scholarship

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