Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund

It is the Fund's goal to decrease the educational inequalities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and San Diego, California, by targeting promising graduating high school seniors from historically underrepresented racial groups, i.e., African American, Native American, and Hispanic backgrounds, by providing college scholarships and educational support to at-risk youth.

For the past four (4) years, the Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund has worked diligently to carry out its mission to provide access to higher education for all those in Philadelphia who sought it. However, there remains a pressing need in our region and our nation to increase opportunities for all students to develop their full academic and career potential. In particular, there is an under representation of people from: African-American, Native American, and Hispanic backgrounds in key disciplines including: mathematics, science, computer science, engineering, communications, health careers and business. In response, the Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund established the Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund Scholarship and the Nathaniel M. Kirkland Scholarship, an innovative program providing an opportunity for underrepresented students to prepare for success in college and become more knowledgeable about career possibilities in these crucial fields. Our goal is to provide financial support to help each participant in the Leadership Institute graduate from college.

The Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund is multi-purpose duly organized 501(c)(3) that focuses on college scholarship, community outreach, and volunteer efforts. It was established in January 2017 to help students gain academic self-confidence by helping them prepare for the rigors of a college education. It also provides underrepresented students and their families an opportunity to improve their lives by making the dream of higher education attainable by removing the barriers of aspiration, affordability, academic preparation and accessibility. Coincidently, these issues are some of the biggest stumbling blocks to participation and successful completion of higher education. Consequently, by removing these artificial barriers, the College is able to increase college access and success rates for underserved residents of the County. By partnering with the Terrell L. Bruce Memorial Fund, I’m certain we will help eliminate common barriers that prevent many talented but socio-economically challenged students pursue post-secondary options.

Since its inception in January 2017, the Fund has provided twenty-four (24) total scholarships for a combined totaling $16,822.64 to graduating Philadelphia public high school seniors in honor of Nathaniel and Terrell. We also hosted community outreach events including a free financial literacy seminar on credit, retirement savings, will drafting, and life insurance with brunch included; a free book bag back-to-school giveaway to kids of all ages; hosted Career Day at Roxborough High School and provided free lunch for participants. The Fund also hosted a basketball tournament that was free for participants; made a $500 donation to the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (“PAWS”) for vet services, and $250 to Animal Care and Control Team (“ACCT”) ACCT Philly in 2017. The Fund also volunteered at ACCT Philly and performed what are referred to as “Foundation Activities,” which included assisting with the organization and cleaning of the pet food pantry.