Palmer Scholars exists to bridge the gap between POTENTIAL and OPPORTUNITY
for young adults of color in Pierce County.
Our founders Merle Palmer and Rev. Al Davis created Palmer Scholars to address the societal inequities that prevent otherwise highly capable young adults of color from achieving their dreams and ending generational cycles of poverty.
At Palmer Scholars, we do not believe a 4-year degree is the only avenue to a successful life. We expose our Scholars to all educational and career pathways and give them the tools to choose the postsecondary program that best fits their strengths, whether that is a 2-year, 4-year, or apprenticeship program. We have several entry points for Scholars receiving our services:
Serving young adults of color from the time they are juniors in high school through postsecondary program completion. Scholars may choose to attend any postsecondary program, whether that be 2-year, 4-year, technical college or apprenticeship.
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Serving young adults of color between 18 and 26, who are neither enrolled in a postsecondary program nor gainfully employed and have an interest in pursuing a career in the trades.
Serving young adults of color between the ages of 16-24 who are disconnected from education or gainful employment and have an interest in learning how to take the next steps for their future.
“Palmer Scholars has given me the first step into my next chapter in life and I couldn’t be more grateful. College means a lot to me and Palmer helping me through the process and walking me through lessons has helped me so much and I will carry on these lessons throughout the rest of my life! I’ve made lifelong friends and mentors that I can’t have been more grateful for and on top of that valuable lessons to help me through tough times in life. I didn’t think I was going to be chosen for the scholarship but after I took the jump to apply little did I know it would change my life. I’m eternally grateful to everyone at Palmer Scholars and can’t thank y’all enough for all the love and support you all have given me throughout my time here. I can’t wait for college and life after that, with support from Palmers I know I can do it! Palmers is a family, it’s a place to learn, to feel, and to unite and I’ll never forget those teachings and feelings.”
Nevaeh Dawkins-Watson, Current Legacy Scholar