Crockett/Lumumba Scholars Program

The Crockett/Lumumba Scholars (CLS) program’s mission is to transform the Wayne State University, and ultimately society, by providing equitable access to a quality university education to students interested in African American Studies while also enhancing diversity on campus. 

Participating students can major in any of WSU's undergraduate programs and simultaneously take advantage of our resources throughout their time at the university. The support systems provided by the CLS program includes advising, peer and faculty mentoring, help navigating financial aid and securing scholarships, student success coaching seminars, tutoring, social activities, and community involvement. All students, regardless of major, are welcome to join, as our goal is to create an inclusive environment by providing access to educational and financial resources and a sense of community and family to help students achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals. Students who complete the program will also earn a minor in African American Studies.

The CLS program is designed to help students better understand themselves and their cultural inheritance while grounding them in the concept of “harambee,” a term and principle that emerged out of the Kenyan liberation struggle that means, “all pull together.” It is our belief that this collective focus, emphasis on community building and mentorship, culturally relevant education, and commitment to Black success and social justice on and off campus provides students with the best opportunity to succeed at Wayne State. We also hope to develop a generation of committed college graduates who can and will play a powerful role in Detroit and the CLS program in the near future.

The program is designed to reward students who participate in the program and remain in good academic standing (a grade point average of 2.75 or above). This includes a free study abroad experience in either Africa or Brazil in their senior year. But we need your support to launch this program and offer financial incentives. Let’s “all pull together” to ensure that Black students and those interested in African American Studies have the support they need to thrive during and after their time on campus for generations to come.