Scholarships

Educational Scholarships for Youth in St. Louis and Chicago

The R. Whittington Foundation currently offers three different educational scholarship opportunities that include tuition, room and board and materials, to students who are demographically under-served. The foundation's passion has resulted in 145 full-time college scholarships, worth more than 20 million dollars. We have partnered with local and national leaders, celebrities, corporations, and local universities to create scholarships that allow at risk youth the opportunity to go to college debt-free. Rickey believes that the future of our world rest in the hearts and minds of our young people. Therefore, he is adamant in his commitment to unlocking their potential and thereby their future. We are looking for scholars from the St. Louis area to Chicago who demonstrate passion, leadership, and actively pursue community involvement. Applicants should exhibit their commitment to giving back to disadvantaged communities. 


 The R. Whittington Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, therefore any donation is 100% tax deductible. If you would like to provide a monetary donation you may do so here.

Spirit of St. Louis Scholarship

Kristen Harris, Miss Spirit of St. Louis 2021's platform is all about youth empowerment, mentorship, anti-bullying, and using one’s voice as their power. Rickey Whittington, the R. Whittington Foundation founder, started his non-profit organization that offers educational scholarships to students from the St. Louis area to Chicago. His foundation seeks to diminish financial deficits present within households and address inspiration deficiencies among ascending generations.


They joined together to create the “Spirit of St. Louis” scholarship to impact lives, inspire change in communities, influence future generations and help shape youth's role in society as active citizens. This is a need-based scholarship for students who attend Harris-Stowe State University and are active in their community and on campus.

As the only HBCU in St. Louis, we felt it was our duty to pour into our community and youth. We hope our giving spirit will encourage others to give as well and set an example for future generations to pay it forward.


To donate please visit our Go Fund Me page, or call us at (314) 960-2924 Please make check donations out to R. Whittington Foundation with Spirit of St. Louis in the notes. To Donate by check, please send to: 1568 Spangler, St. Louis, MO 63031

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ON GO FUND ME

Ron Isley Scholarship

In 2016, we teamed up with Harris-Stowe State University, Ron Isley, and the St. Louis Cardinals to help send scholars to Harris-Stowe State University. It is our newest scholarship program, so we hope for continued sustainability and growth. With four current recipients of the scholarship, our goal is to send 100 high school students to this illustrious HBCU.

  • Jackie Joyner Kersee Scholarship

Jackie Joyner Kersee Scholarship

The JJK Scholarship is open to all incoming first-year students who meet the University’s requirements for admission and demonstrate academic success, leadership, and financial need. In April 2015, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Lindenwood University, and the R. Whittington Foundation presented the scholarships in a ceremony on campus.

  • Black and White Ball Scholarship

  • Group of Friends in Black and White Ball

  • Two Teenage Boys Wearing Black Suit in Black and White Ball

  • Teenage Couple in Black & White Ball

  • Two Teenage Girls Wearing Black Dress in Black and White Ball

  • Friends Received Their Scholarship in Black and White Ball

Black & White Ball Scholarship

In 2008, we joined forces with Lindenwood University’s Black Student Union, Plaza Motors and Grammy Award Winning Hip-Hop Star Nelly to ensure two deserving students receive full ride scholarships including room and board. In addition to the scholarship, students receive a laptop and iPad. The R. Whittington Foundation is driven and inspired to help our youth fulfill their dreams and aspirations through the channel of education.

Past High School Partners

  • Elsberry High School
  • Rockwood Summit High School
  • Oakville Senior High School
  • Northwest High School
  • North County Technical High School
  • McCluer South Berkley High School
  • Riverview Gardens High School
  • Jennings Senior High School
  • East St. Louis High School
  • Hazelwood East High School
  • Hazelwood West High School
  • University City High School
  • Pattonville High School
  • Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School
  • Vashon High School
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