Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success Student Success Fund

The Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success (Jeffries Center) Student Success Fund provides unrestricted support for an array of student success initiatives including, but not limited to: academic enrichment initiatives (e.g., new instructional or skill-building workshops), academic support incentives (e.g., online scheduling or advising platforms which expand student access to the services that lead to persistence and graduation), and academic achievement recognition (e.g., scholastic achievement awards) or other innovative activities that bolster student success. In 2018, in observance of the Office of Minority Student Affair's (now Jeffries Center) 50th anniversary, this fund was dedicated in honor of our founding director, Clarence Shelley, a legendary educator, administrator, and mentor who served the university for nearly four decades.

Greta Hogan Student Persistence Scholarship Fund

This, soon to be endowed, scholarship was created in 2018 to honor the rich legacy of support that Greta Hogan provided generations of Jeffries Center students during her distinguished tenure at Illinois. To be eligible for this award students must demonstrate need, be in good academic standing, and participate in Jeffries Center activities.

Reginald and Frances Hayes Helping Others Prosper Through Education (H.O.P.E.) Scholarship Fund

The H.O.P.E. (Helping Others Prosper from Education) Scholarship was created in 2001 by Jacquelyn Hayes in memory of her parents. This is an endowed fund that is designated for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign undergraduate students with sophomore, junior or senior standing, with a 3.2 GPA and are participants in Jeffries Center services, with preference given to minority students.

Michael L. Jeffries Minority Student Affairs Achievement Scholarship Fund

This endowed scholarship was created in 2013 by Michael L. Jeffries, former Associate Dean of Students and Office of Minority Student Affairs Director. The Office of Minority Student Affairs became the Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success to honor his outstanding contributions to Illinois and commitment to serving underrepresented students. This scholarship is to be provided annually to students served by the Jeffries Center.

To be eligible, students must have a 3.0 grade point average from the previous year at Illinois and have demonstrated an interest in pursuing studies in graduate school or professional school. The primary focus will be on students from Chicago Public Schools who are participants in Jeffries Center activities.

The Diane Moore and Ann Moore Scholarship

Diane Moore is a Chicago Police Officer that places a high premium on education as a means to breaking societal barriers. Officer Moore believes that if children receive a quality education they can combat social injustices. Her passion for justice and equitable education was instilled in her by her mother Ann Moore. The scholarship, which bears both of their names, represents their value for education. This, soon to be endowed, fund is designated for students who participated in the Jeffries Center services and earned a 3.25 GPA.

Clarence Shelley Scholarship Fund

The Clarence Shelley Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by fabled educator, administrator, and founding director of the Office of Minority Student Affairs (now Jeffries Center), Clarence Shelley. This endowed scholarship provides support for undergraduates whose family income is less than the Federal Poverty Level with competitive preferences for African Americans and Jeffries Center participants.

Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success Study Abroad Endowed Fund

This endowed scholarship was created by an anonymous donor to provided support for Jeffries Center students seeking international learning experiences. Potential awardees must be currently enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studying abroad in a campus approved program, and be in good academic standing. Preference will be shown to students with financial need and active involvement in Jeffries Center activities.

Dr. Joseph Louis Jordan Scholarship

This scholarship created in 2023 by Professor Emeritus Beth R. Stafford is in honor of Dr. Joseph Louis Jordan.  This endowed fund is designated to support students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who are interested in women’s health as their career or other areas impacting women such as Women & Gender in Global Perspectives program and Women Studies Health. Eligible recipients must also be students who are underrepresented, a participant of the Jeffries Center services, a participant of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center sponsored programs, in a pre-medicine program, and in good academic standing.

Elizabeth and Pieter van Es Scholarship

Created in 2023 by Elizabeth and Pieter van Es this endowed fund is designated to support underrepresented students who are actively involved in the Jeffries Center services and activities, are students in good standing and for whom demonstrate a financial need.

Wanda Young Wilson Scholarship

This scholarship in honor of Wanda Young Wilson is an endowed fund designated to support students who are full-time and demonstrate financial need.  Eligible recipients must also have junior or senior standing, are enrolled in the College of Media with top preference given to Advertising majors, serve in a leadership role in one of the following student organizations: Women of Color, Central Black Student Union, 100 Strong, a sorority or fraternity with membership in the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or another student organization or initiative focused on promoting the academic success of African-American students; and are active with one of the following campus units: Volunteer Illini Projects, YWCA at the University of Illinois, Illinois Leadership Center, or a student organization focused on promoting racial diversity or advancing the status of women.