Debbie Antshel was a longtime public advocate with a passion and skill for helping those less fortunate. She worked tirelessly for Central Piedmont Community College, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), the City of Charlotte, and the Mayor’s International Cabinet. She served on countless community boards and volunteered much of her time to improve the lives of Mecklenburg County residents, most significantly through increased access to education.

She believed that a sharp mind and a soft heart can lead to countless improvements on personal and societal levels. She leveraged her tremendous strengths and warm personality to bring out the potential of disadvantaged members of our community. She had incredible courage, perseverance, and a positive attitude that brought about significant change in our community.

Highlights of her many professional accomplishments include the following:

• Implemented a CPCC high school equivalency degree program designed to empower students. It focused on self-esteem, personal responsibility, communication skills, and community involvement. Many students of this program completed their GED and went on to pursue college degrees.
  
  
• Founded city programs that created mentors for at-risk children and put donated computers in 41 lower-income neighborhoods.
  
  
• Developed partnerships that led to thousands of individual and corporate volunteers for CMS. Implemented a comprehensive screening process for volunteers to ensure student safety.
  
  
• Helped establish a nonprofit organization for CMS, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Schools Foundation, which was the first of its kind in North Carolina. It raised more than $700,000 in its first year for school resources for education enhancement.

Debbie had a unique ability to bring out the best in people regardless of their background. She was a mentor to many, leaving our community with an immeasurable loss. This scholarship has been established in her honor so that graduating high school students have an opportunity to leverage their skills, knowledge, and passions to affect positive change and to dedicate themselves to selfless public service. Special consideration will be given to students showing a commitment to the spirit of volunteerism, community advocacy, and a proven desire to bring out the best in people. This scholarship is a clear and appropriate way to continue Debbie’s work.

 

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Full tuition and fees for freshman year at CPCC All scholarships will be paid directly to CPCC and will be designated for tuition and fees.

 

MINIMUM ELIGIBILITY

Debbie Antshel Memorial CPCC Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria: 1. CMS graduating senior who will attend CPCC in the fall, majoring in Human Services or a related field. 2. Commitment to community service, as demonstrated through volunteer experience and career objectives.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must submit the following by March 27, 2015:

1. A completed application.
2. An official copy of the applicant’s high school transcript.
3. SAT/ACT scores—if available.
4. Two recommendation forms: one from a teacher, counselor, or other school administrator and one from an employer, community leader, or other non-related adult.
5. A personal statement (see topics on page 4 of application).