GLENVIEW, Ill. – The Western Golf Association’s (WGA) acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) announced its first two students will begin attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., as incoming freshmen this fall.
The addition of Howard University – the organization’s 24th partner school and first with a historically Black college and university – is part of an ongoing expansion plan nationally for the Evans Scholars Program, which provides full tuition and housing college scholarships to high-achieving golf caddies who have limited financial means.
“Howard is a world-class university and an outstanding addition to the Evans Scholars Program,” said Joe Desch, Chairman of the Western Golf Association, which oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation. “As we continue expanding our Program to provide more young men and women a transformative college experience, we are proud that future caddies will now have the opportunity to experience Howard’s academic tradition and excellence.”
To qualify for the Evans Scholarship, students must display outstanding records of caddying, academics and character and leadership. Currently, a record 1,100 students are attending 22 top universities nationwide on Evans Scholarships. This fall, Evans Scholars will attend two new universities, including Howard University and the University of Iowa.
“It is an exciting time to announce this new partnership with the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholars Foundation,” said Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., MBA, President of Howard University. “We are pleased to be the first HBCU to participate in the Evans Scholars Program, and we anticipate this is just the beginning of an impactful relationship.”
Kaleise Foy of Chicago and Beyonce Reid of Philadelphia will be the first Evans Scholars at Howard. Foy attends Noble Street College Prep and plans to study psychology. Reid attends Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School and intends to study business. Both students were participants in the WGA’s Caddie Academy, a unique summer work program that provides caddie opportunities to students who don’t live near a golf course.
Through the program, participants caddie at local clubs each day for seven weeks in the summer, over three years, while living together. Caddying teaches participants valuable life skills, such as communication, networking, work ethic and money management. Foy caddied at Briarwood Country Club in Deerfield, Illinois, and Reid caddied at Penn State Golf Courses in State College, Pennsylvania.
Foy, a high-achieving student, didn’t know anything about golf before becoming a part of the Caddie Academy. “The natural intelligence that has kept me on top of the class suddenly disappeared when I entered the golf course,” she said. “I never thought I’d be acquainted with anything golf-related, especially caddying, which could lead to such a life-changing opportunity. This program was an unexpected teacher and the beginning of fostering my self-worth.”
Reid, who is looking forward to growing personally and professionally in college, wants to someday own an international real estate firm.
“I am honored to be a part of the first class of Evans Scholars to attend Howard University and help pave the way for future caddies to have this same opportunity,” Reid said. “I will take full advantage of this scholarship and the opportunity to attend an amazing, world-class university.”
Future Evans Scholars at Howard University will live together in a designated university residence hall. A unique component of the Program is the positive community living experience provided to students living together on campus. Community living teaches students valuable life skills in communication, leadership, mentoring and provides a strong sense of community.
