The Scioto Foundation has announced the creation of the Dr. Whitney Jenkins Mohawk NATION Scholarship Fund established by Dr. Jenkins to benefit female seniors graduating from Northwest High School who plan to enroll in STEM fields of study at either a college/university or trade technical schools.
The Volunteer Scholarship Committee of the Scioto Foundation will make annual selections of awards of the Jenkins Scholarship on behalf of the Board of Governors.
Dr. Jenkins was born in Kentucky and grew up in the McDermott area. She graduated from Northwest High School in 2016 and earned a bachelor’s degree in public health from Wright State University in 2020.
An outstanding example of a former Scioto Foundation scholarship recipient, Dr. Jenkins now wants to give back to the community and those who supported her.
“Creating the Dr. Whitney Jenkins Mohawk NATION Scholarship for high school girls attending Northwest High School in Scioto County, Ohio is my way to give back the transformative opportunities which personal scholarships provided throughout my academic journey,” she said.
“Early into my educational pathway, starting actually as a fourth grader, I was fortunate to begin attending summer programs designed for gifted students at places like Northwestern University, and Purdue University, which all span annually through high school ending with the Miami Summer Scholars Program. My experiences, especially in the field of STEM, not only ignited my passion for learning but ultimately shaped my career trajectory,” Jenkins explained.
“By creating this scholarship, my aim is to empower young women to explore the limitless possibilities within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, offering them the same foundation of opportunity that proved so pivotal in my own life” she continued.
“All of my many summer experiences were paid for by applying to scholarships which were awarded and funded by private donors; donors who were kind enough to care about the future of our communities in southern Ohio and felt a moral obligation to support area youth with the hope of making the future a better place,” Dr. Jenkins said. “Along the way, I decided when I graduated and had a job with enough money saved to make a difference, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of wise leaders before me by creating a scholarship”.
“I believe in the power of education to break down barriers and create lasting change. By supporting women in STEM, I hope to leave a meaningful footprint in industries where their voices and contributions are often underrepresented. This scholarship is my way of encouraging innovation and empowering the next generation of female leaders who will shape the future and make a lasting impact on the world,” Dr. Jenkins concluded. Tracing her education and career paths, it is easy to see why Dr. Jenkins is eager to encourage young women to earn degrees in scientific fields.
After graduating from Wright State University in 2020, Dr. Jenkins entered Boonshoft School of Medicine’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program at Wright State University where she served as a graduate assistant and graduate research assistant. Through research, she gained extensive knowledge in substance use, addiction, and subsequent care trajectories and strives to make an impact on harm reduction prevention, interventions and treatment, she said. In spring 2022, Dr. Jenkins graduated with her Master’s Degree achieving certifications in Epidemiology and Public Health Leadership.
Immediately after earning her master’s degree, Dr. Jenkins entered Loma Linda University School of Public Health’s Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) in Health Education Program where she earned a Doctor of Public Health Degree (DrPH).
Currently Dr. Jenkins is working as an epidemiologist (contractor) providing services for the United States Department of Defense Global Respiratory Pathogen Surveillance Program (DoDGRPSP), her goal is to continue to improve the health of our country.
Further information about the Dr. Whitney Jenkins Mohawk NATION Scholarship Fund or the many other scholarships available at the Scioto Foundation may be obtained by contacting Ginnie Moore, Coordinator of Grants and Scholarships, or Kim Cutlip, Executive Director, at the Scioto Foundation, (740) 354-4612.