Frequently Asked Questions

Who - What - When - Where - Why
      .... "Celebrate BTW"?

About The Ambassador Scholarship Program:
   Who is eligible for a scholarship?
   What is meant by "Ambassador"?
   What is the amount of the Scholarship?
   How are scholarship recipients selected?
   What is required to apply?
   How many schools are named for Booker T. Washington?
   Are scholarships restricted only for "Booker T" high school students?

About The Society:
   Is the Society a "501c(3) non-profit" organization?

About Sponsorships:
   Are there sponsor support opportunities at Society events?

    Celebrating BTW
FAQ about Booker T Clubs and BTW Society Chapters: What does a Booker T. Club "look" like? That depends on what you want it to look like. It could be as informal as a three or four getting together say, once a week for breakfast or lunch, or formally, with a set time and place to meet say, twice a month with an agenda that includes a 'call to order, invocation, Pledge of Allegiance to the flag, a speakers' speakers, etc. Or it can be anything in between. The main thing is, "What do you want to accomplish in your own community?" We can help with suggestions to help get you started. But it's your drive that counts. We suggest you start small, just like Booker T. did. Get a few friends together. Show them the "Booker T. Way" and the Society's motto, I CHOOSE. Discuss how starting a Booker T. Club for teens could help young Americans in your own community. Order several 'Booker T. Washington – American Hero" booklets to pass around and get others interested. Then brainstorm some more. Your commitment and your ideas are what will make it happen. In New York City, for example, Hector Torres sees the need to emphasize reading, so the NYC chapter of the Society is forming Booker T. Clubs at local community colleges and helping to develop reading programs at them. In Charlottesville, VA, students at the University of Virginia are considering sponsoring a Booker T. Club at a local high school to provide mentoring and academic tutoring for students there who subscribe to "The Booker T. Way". Members of a Los Angeles Rotary Club are forming a BTW Society Chapter to help restore Booker T. Washington's rightful place in history by bringing his story to a new generation of students and to inspire them to live, learn, and lead the Booker T. Way. Another Booker T. Club about to be formed by church member, see 'Booker T. ' as a practical way to convey successful living habits to teens based on sound principles of good moral character, time management and service to others. Those are just a few of the ways a BTW Society Chapter or Booker T. Club can do to improve the future prospects of young Americans in your own community. Members of other chapters may decide that, for teens that choose to join their booker T. club, public speaking or debating skills will be their 'thing'. Maybe you know local business owners or operators who might drop by to talk about any of a whole range of business / entrepreneur matters. The possibilities are endless... ... you name it. How do you see a Chapter or Club benefitting its members and local community in your area? Where does a local chapter or Booker T. Club get funds for its operation and/or service projects? Each local Chapter or Club is independent and self-sustaining. It operates under charter from the Booker T. Washington Society. Chapter/ Club funds are generally raised from the local community through donations and membership dues. Who organizes the 'Celebrate BTW' and "CharacterPower" Workshops, conferences & events?
The Booker T. Washington Society, Inc. to cultivate and encourage character, education and opportunity among young people of America.

What are the occasions?
  The Anniversaries of the birth of great American, Booker T. Washington.

When & where are Annual "CelebrateBTW" conferences held?
  Generally in April, Booker T's birthmonth, in Washington DC.
Additionally, we encourage local & college student organizations throughout the country to invite speakers to their campuses to learn about Booker T and the relevance his approach to life has for us all today.

Why "CelebrateBTW"?
  Indeed, why not?  Booker T imparted vision and values thru relevant messages that " we 'need to heed' as much today as a century ago.

    Ambassador Scholarships
Who is eligible for a scholarship?
  In our 1st year (2006), students from any high school in the country named for Booker T. Washington were eligible. In 2007, students from many New Orleans high schools were invited to apply for a Booker T. Washington Ambassador Scholarship. For the high school Class of '09 and beyond, scholarships to be offered will depend on contributions.

What do you mean by "Ambassador"?
  An Ambassador Scholarship entails much more than money and a trip. Recipients should anticipate a lasting relationship with the Society to help them develop and enhance their self-respect and confidence in overcoming adversity. The Society provides Ambassadors with ongoing encouragement and mentoring support via personal and regular phone & e-mail contact. In return, BTW Ambassador Scholars are expected to act as mentors and role models for others in their community.

What is the amount of the Scholarship?
  Generally, $1,000 has been awarded for post-high school studies in science, technology, engineering, math or vocational/trade training. In the past, winners, along with a parent ormentor, have flown to Washington DC as our guests to attend a multi-day celebration that includes panel discussions, banquets and a tour of the City.

How are scholarship recipients selected?
  To be completely objective and yet account for different academic levels in schools and grades, the Society enlists the help of a local service organization (such as Rotary or Optimists Club) to judge essays submitted to the Society by students attending school in their area. (We number the essays and strip them of names before forwarding for judging.) Thus, local judges select the winning essay from among those submitted in their community.

Is anything required besides just applying?
  Each application must include an up-to-250 word essay response to this question:
       "Based on your studies of Booker T. Washington's life and legacy,
       what lessons have you learned and how will you apply them to your life?"

How many schools are named after Booker T. Washington?
  Currently, twenty middle and high schools as well as twenty-five elementary schools. There were several more at one time, but were closed or have been re-named. A school in Washington DC is named for Margaret M.Washington, Booker T.'s wife. She was an important factor in Tuskegee's success.

Are scholarships only for students from communities with a "Booker T" school?
  No. However with limited funds, our initial focus was where the knowledge of Booker T. Washington should have been high. In 2007, we focused on several high schools in New Orleans LA (NOLA). We hope is to reach more students from more schools. However, we have no endowment and depend entirely on support from people like you.

    The Society:
Is the Society a "501c(3) non-profit" educational & charitable organization? Yes. (See our Corporate Articles).

    Sponsorships:
Are there sponsor support opportunities at Society events?
  Yes! We depend on your donations & support to continue, for we do not solicit nor accept government funding.