S.O. What! Scholarships
The S.O. What! Foundation will offer scholarships to S.T.E.P.-O.U.T. Program participants as well as other youth determined to succeed in spite of their trauma and challenges. Funds will help fund an endowed S.O. What! Success scholarship at the University of Memphis, the founder’s alma mater, as well as scholarships for community colleges, trade schools, and other educational support.
Agnes Owens & Ocie Williams Memorial Scholarship
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Awarded to female students with a demonstrated resilience story pursuing a post-secondary education opportunity. This scholarship was created to honor the special relationship between the S.O. What! Foundation’s founder, Summer Owens, and her grandmothers who died days apart.
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Ellen "Pedie" Granberry Memorial Scholarship
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Awarded to students pursuing a career in cosmetology. This scholarship was created in honor of the founder’s long-time friend and hairstylist, Ellen "Pedie" Granberry, who was murdered by youth in our community.
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The S.O. What! Foundation S.T.E.P.-O.U.T. Scholarships
Awarded to graduating students pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities who complete the S.O. What! Foundation’s S.T.E.P.-O.U.T.
(Self-esteem, Teamwork, Exposure, Personal development – Overcome, Understand, Triumph) program.
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Pastor Ricky Floyd Memorial Scholarship
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Awarded to a male student with a demonstrated resilience story pursuing a post-secondary education opportunity. This scholarship was created to honor the special relationship between the S.O. What! Foundation’s founder and dedicated community leader, Pastor Ricky Floyd, who died to gun violence.
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Bertha Rogers Looney & Summer Owens
S.O. What! Success Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to students with identified challenges pursuing a degree at the University of Memphis. This scholarship, available through the University of Memphis, was created to honor the special relationship between Bertha Rogers Looney of the legendary Memphis State Eight and the S.O. What! Foundation’s founder, Summer Owens, and highlights their different yet connected resilience journeys at the University of Memphis.
Curtis Owens Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to students pursuing certification in trades or vocational education. This scholarship was created in honor of the founder’s cousin, Curtis Owens, who was on a path to pursuing a career as an aircraft mechanic when he tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 20.
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