India Long Awarded “Black Women Thriving East of the River” Healthcare Scholarship
India Long Awarded Black Women Thriving East of the River Healthcare Scholarship
India Long, a first-year Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Howard University, has been awarded the Black Women Thriving East of the River Healthcare Scholarship Award. This scholarship is part of an initiative to dismantle barriers Black women face in pursuing advanced careers in healthcare.
The program, a partnership between Black Women Thriving East of the River, Bread for the City, and Elevation Educational Consulting Group, provides comprehensive support to Black women living in Washington, D.C., engaged in workforce development, professional growth, or advanced degree programs in healthcare. Scholars like Long benefit from financial assistance, career coordination, and a wealth of targeted resources to foster professional and personal development.
"Being selected for this scholarship is an honor and a privilege as it enables me to continue pursuing my dream of contributing to and helping advance the social work profession,” said Long. “I am passionate about serving communities in Wards 7 & 8, particularly as it relates to Black Student Mental Health and Trauma Recovery within Black families.”
The Black Women Thriving East of the River initiative was established to address systemic inequities that have historically impacted Black women east of the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. These neighborhoods, rich in culture but often underserved, are at the heart of the program's mission to reduce cancer mortality and bolster health-related workforce success. Ms. Long's scholarship award shows how targeted support can transform lives and communities. Her story underscores the importance of investing in Black women as a pathway to building healthier and more equitable communities.
As an MSW student, India aims to use her education to create a lasting impact by fostering resilience and healing. “Black Women Thriving East of the River is an organization that aligns with my values of empowering and enabling Black women to achieve their highest potential. It means so much to me to have their support, and I am excited to see what the rest of my graduate journey at Howard has in store!” India shared.
This scholarship also shows the broader impact of collaborative programs. By investing in Black women’s education and professional development, Black Women Thriving East of the River sets a precedent for how community partnerships can address historical inequities and promote long-term success.
About Black Women Thriving East of the River
The Black Women Thriving East of the River initiative is dedicated to empowering Black women in historically underserved neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. With a mission to dismantle barriers and foster community wellness, the program reduces health inequities and creates opportunities for Black women to excel professionally and personally. To learn more, visit: https://thrivingeotr.org/about-us