Bernice Barlow, born Bernice Lowery, was the oldest of James and Estelle Lowery’s 10 children. She graduated from Saginaw High School in 1945 and holds an M.A. from Michigan State University. Ms. Barlow taught at Potter Elementary and Merrill Park Elementary schools before retiring from Jerome Elementary in 1996 after 32 years of teaching.
Ms. Barlow became active in the NAACP at a very young age. She served as assistant secretary and secretary before becoming president in 1968. She held the presidency for 30 years before stepping down in 1998. She participated in the March on Washington in 1963 and the Poor People’s March in 1968. She also attended the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- High school senior
- Applicant, parent or legal guardian must be a current member of the Saginaw NAACP Branch
- Resident of Saginaw, Bay or Midland counties
- Pursuing an undergraduate degree, two-year degree, or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training
- Full-time enrollment
Evaluation Criteria
- Leadership ability
- Community and/or school involvement in activities that encourage racial harmony in the Saginaw community
- Special essay
- Recommendations
- Financial need
Membership Requirements
Please refer to the online scholarship application for more information
Special Attachment Required
Please refer to the online scholarship application for more information