Shirley Satterfield Scholarship Fund

PPBC Accepting Applications for Shirley Satterfield Scholarship Fund

16 February 2024

PPBC is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the Shirley Satterfield Scholarship Fund. The scholarship program aims to support Black students, in Princeton District’s Middle and High Schools, who demonstrate a desire and commitment to participate in curricular and extra-curricular activities that require supplemental financial support.

The scholarship program is named in honor of Shirley Satterfield, a Princeton legend. Ms. Satterfield is the founder of the Witherspoon-Jackson Historical and Cultural Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history of Princeton's Black community. She also served as an influential and popular guidance and college counselor for 13 years in the Princeton Public School District.

“Supporting our students in the district is an innovative but common-sense approach to leveling the playing field in a school district where accessibility to resources and opportunities is segregated by economic status and historically by race,”   says Scholarship Committee Chair Rhinold Ponder.

PPBC Co-President Veronica Foreman adds, “We have been trying for decades to get the district to be transparent about the hidden costs that parents must pay so their children can be successful here.  Costs for school trips, school proms,  sports, and music equipment, tutoring, etc. are ridiculously prohibitive even with the little support we give for kids on free and reduced lunch.”

The scholarship fund aims to provide support for a variety of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Students can utilize financial assistance for programs such as sports, educational trips, and other enriching experiences that enhance their educational journey.

“This scholarship addresses some of the problems I dedicated my life to when I worked at the district.  I  am so grateful that  PPBC is furthering that legacy and doing much-needed work for our children.  I hope others, including the district, join them in this effort.” said honoree Shirley Satterfield

The application process is designed to be accessible and convenient for all eligible students. Interested students can apply for the Shirley Satterfield Scholarship Fund by visiting the PPBC website or accessing the application through the PPBC newsletter.

Princeton Parents for Black Children is a 501(C)(3) whose mission is to advocate for Black children in support of equity, fairness, and inclusion.  The Shirley Satterfield Fund was made possible with the support of lead gifts from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton, Lance and LaTonya Liverman, and Michele Tuck-Ponder and Rhinold Ponder.

Contributions may be made to the fund by check made payable to the Princeton Parents for Black Children mailed to 208 Laurel Circle, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540.  Contributions may also be made via Venmo to PPBC (@ppbc2021).