In 2021, the Richmond Flying Squirrels introduced several initiatives to honor the legacy of the Richmond 34. The pioneering Richmond 34 were Virginia Union students who were arrested in 1960 following a sit-in protest at the whites-only lunch counter of Thalhimers Department Store in downtown Richmond. The heroic actions of the Richmond 34 helped change the fabric of Richmond and influence the Civil Rights movement.
To honor and celebrate the legacy of the Richmond 34, the Richmond Flying Squirrels will award a $5,000 scholarship to a student from the Greater Richmond area* attending either Virginia Union University or Virginia State University. The scholarship is part of a series of initiatives and mentorships with the Flying Squirrels to honor the Richmond 34.
Apply for the Richmond 34 Scholarship
Qualifications for students applying for the Flying Squirrels scholarship include:
1. Students have met with a GReat Aspirations Scholarship Program, Inc. (GRASP) advisor and filed a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
2. Students will graduate from a Richmond-area* high school in spring of 2023.
3. Students will attend Virginia State University or Virginia Union University.
4. Students have demonstrated unmet financial need (a college financial aid award letter will be requested before scholarship is granted).
5. Students have participated in community service.
6. Students have participated in an extracurricular activity during high school (i.e. marching band, athletics, debate team, astronomy club, drama club, etc.)
All completed applications must be submitted by email to scholarships@grasp4va.org or mailed to GRASP, 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 204, Richmond, VA 23294 by May 31, 2023.
For the complete scholarship application, visit Flying Squirrels Legacy34 Scholarship.
* Public or private high school or home school located in Ashland, Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan, or Richmond. If applicant attends a public high school, contact the high school counseling department to set up an appointment with a GRASP advisor. If applicant attends a private school or is home schooled, please contact GRASP at advising@grasp4va.org or 804-923-0059 to set up an appointment.
Read about another Civil Rights sit-in that happened at Woolworths in That Was Then.
