Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Council

In Salem also is His tabernacle, and His dwelling place in Zion. Psalm 76.2

I leave you finally a responsibility to our young people. The world around us really belongs to youth for youth will take over its future management. Our children must never lose their zeal for building a better world. They must not be discouraged from aspiring toward greatness, for they are to be the leaders of tomorrow. Nor must they forget that the masses of our people are still underprivileged, ill-housed, impoverished and victimized by discrimination. We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.

Faith, courage, brotherhood, dignity, ambition, responsibility -- these are needed today as never before. We must cultivate them and use them as tools for our task of completing the establishment of equality for the Negro. We must sharpen these tools in the struggle that faces us and find new ways of using them. The Freedom Gates are half-ajar. We must pry them fully open.

If I have a legacy to leave my people, it is my philosophy of living and serving. As I face tomorrow, I am content, for I think I have spent my life well. I pray now that my philosophy may be helpful to those who share my vision of a world of Peace, Progress, Brotherhood, and Love.

From the Last Will and Testament of Mary McLeod Bethune

Text Box: Criteria for Scholarship Application Scholarship Application Scholarship Recommendation Form

On October 23, 1972, our founder assigned Sis. Florence Graydon the task to initiate the formulation of an educational committee. Out of this assignment was born the Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Council. The Council’s purpose is to provide incentive, encouragement and advice for all students or young people seeking assistance in furthering their education.

The Council encourages youth of all ages by sponsoring an annual outing to celebrate students graduating from all levels of education, whether from nursery, elementary, secondary, or college level. These outings have included Broadway productions, historical presentations, cultural demonstrations and local restaurants.

Financial assistance is given to college bound students who have submitted an approved application to the Council. Upon graduation, recipients who have completed their degree program will receive a pendant bearing the likeness of Mary McLeod Bethune, the name of Salem Missionary Baptist Church, and the graduate’s name and year of graduation. Please see the links above for the required forms.