Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program
The Morehouse College Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program continues to thrive thanks to generous gifts from Ms. Oprah Winfrey and the support of the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation. Ms. Winfrey’s gifts to Morehouse College, totaling $25 million, have supported the educations almost 800 Men of Morehouse and allowed hundreds to travel to South Africa as participants in the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program.
The Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program (OWSP) seeks to develop globally minded servant leaders by offering a scaffolded set of leadership development and service experiences. During the 2023-24 academic year, 50 Oprah Winfrey Scholars, including 12 freshmen, 17 sophomores, 10 juniors, and 10 seniors, participated in the program.
During the 2023-24 academic year, freshman through senior scholars participated in monthly program meetings designed to build community and shared experiences. Sophomores through seniors participate in weekly service. Scholars also had the opportunity to visit the Equal Justice Initiative Legacy Museum and Peace and Justice Memorial and participated in the African American History and Heritage Tour, traveling to Charleston, SC, to visit the new International African American Museum, the Avery Research Center, and McLeod Plantation. During spring break, eight Oprah Winfrey scholars traveled to London, Liverpool, and Manchester, U.K. on the Exploration of the African Diaspora in the United Kingdom Study Abroad Program.
Freshmen and sophomore scholars participated in the OWSP Professional Development Series that supported their academic and professional success. Seniors created a capstone project and continued to produce the MORE Conversations podcasts. The year concluded with the Oprah Winfrey South Africa Leadership Program which took 9 scholars on an unforgettable journey to Johannesburg, Pilanesberg, and Cape Town, South Africa.
Williams Babalola '24
Meet Williams Babalola, a proud Psychology major who graduated from Morehouse on May 19, 2024! As an Oprah Winfrey Scholar, Williams excelled in his studies and embraced every moment of his Morehouse journey. Up next, Williams is heading to Georgia State University for a fully funded master's program, with ultimate plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.
Aubray Chevannes '24
Meet Aubray Chevannes, an inspiring Dual-Degree Engineering graduate who wrapped up his studies at Morehouse on May 19, 2024! As an Oprah Winfrey Scholar, Aubrey excelled academically and committed himself to community service and leadership.