MTV executives announced June 15 that the network will award up to $50,000 in scholarship money to a local college or high school student who has shown leadership in the fight for civil rights. The Dave Matthews Band will choose the winner, who must be between the ages of 16 and 24 and attend school in Charlottesville City or Albemarle County, so most undergraduate University students are eligible.
MTV networks' yearlong campaign, "Fight For Your Rights: Take a Stand Against Discrimination," in conjunction with SHINE (Seeking Harmony in Neighborhoods Everyday) and the National Conference for Community and Justice, are awarding $250,000 in scholarships to young students active in the civil rights movement across the country.
In addition to the Charlottesville area, scholarship money also will be awarded to students in three other metropolitan cities.
Destiny's Child will choose the winner from their hometown of Houston, Method Man will choose the winner from his hometown of New York City, and actress Mena Suvari will choose the winner from her hometown of Los Angeles.
Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali will choose one winner from a national pool.
According to Vanessa Rodriguez, a marketing assistant with SHINE, applicants must be enrolled full-time in high school or in an undergraduate program at a university.
She added the activism of applicants is not limited to fighting racism, but all forms of discrimination.
According to an MTV press release, "student applications will be evaluated on academic and extracurricular achievement, a demonstrated commitment to fighting discrimination, leadership potential, ability to apply critical thinking skills, understanding of the complex issues surrounding social change, and a desire to pursue a career in civil rights or a related field."
The $250,000 was raised by MTV's "Cool Crap Auction." The network sold items from various artists including an American Flag from Madonna's "American Pie" video.
Applications can be found on MTV's "Fight For Your Rights" Web site at www.fightforyourrights.mtv.com. Applications are due Sept. 15 and Rodriguez said she expects a winner to be announced in mid-October.
SHINE is a national non-profit, pro-social organization that empowers youth to build self-esteem, end discrimination and practice non-violence, Rodriguez said.
NCCJ is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting racism in America.
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