Ten Roosevelt graduates have received help to attend college from the James A. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund since the first awards were granted in 2021. The Fund was made possible by generous donors in RARE’s first year of working for racial equity. Donations are still being accepted as we work to increase the amount awarded. Every year two students are selected to receive a $5,000 scholarship each.

The James A. Davis Jr Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating Roosevelt High School students who plan to attend a college, trade or professional school and who have faced barriers to educational opportunities. Students must demonstrate a commitment to learning, equity, and social justice and be facing financial or other barriers to pursuing higher education.

The scholarship is named for James A. Davis, Roosevelt class of 1971. Davis was a voluntary racial transfer student who became a leader among his peers. He served as senior class vice president, was a leader in Junior Achievement, played varsity football and played clarinet in the marching band. Throughout his life he showed his love of family and friends and respect for others as his equal. He was known for reaching across racial lines to establish meaningful relationships with all students. After graduation, he maintained relationships with his Roosevelt classmates and went on to contribute to his family, his church, and his community. Davis died in 2013.

Selection Process (Academic year 2025-2026)

• Two scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded every spring.
• Applications, including 2 letters of support (see application link), should be turned into the RHS Counseling Office and are due on February 23, 2026.
• RHS staff will review the applications and forward the applications of their top recommended candidates to the scholarship selection board of Roosevelt Alumni for Racial Equity (RARE) in early March. Candidates will be interviewed via Zoom by the RARE Scholarship Selection Board near the end of the month.
• Final selection will be made and announced by the first week in April.
• The funding will be available for use by scholarship winners for tuition payments and other direct educational expenses for up to two years after graduating from RHS. Seattle Promise students may delay receiving their award until they enter a 4-yr college after finishing their studies at a Seattle College.

Past Award Winners

2021: Leah Scott & Elsabeth Assaye

2022: Elroe Yayiso & Myles Mawa

2023: Camila Ricardo & Yuena Kim

2024: Aurora Barrera Diaz & Ryan Komba

2025: Hager Gamaleldin & Chloe Mai

Application

The scholarship application is here. You may provide your continued support to the scholarship fund below.