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Ron Brown Scholar Program

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Ron Brown Scholar Program

RBSP competitively awards 45-50 four-year scholarships to African American high school seniors. Brown and inspired by his dedication to public service.

HIGHLIGHTS:
* 99% college graduation rate
* 58% Scholars attend Ivy League institutions
* 51% Scholars pursue graduate degrees
* 534 scholarships awarded to date
* More than 115,000 applications received
The Ron Brown Scholar Fund is a 501(c)3 public charity, managed by an independent Board of Trustees. The Program was named for the late Secretary of Commerce, Ronald H. Established in 1996, the P

rogram provides academic scholarships and support service for young African Americans of outstanding promise.

03/23/2026

Ron Brown Venture Lab LIVE just wrapped up at SXSW. Full article on our website: https://ronbrown.org/article/venture-lab-at-sxsw-2026/

This past Monday, we gathered in Austin to explore the future of technology and wealth creation. The event was a powerful testament to our "web of care," as Noah Faison (2016 Captain) not only hosted and funded the afternoon but also secured the partnership with Oracle to make it possible.

The session featured four fireside chats with Scholars and Captains leading the way in their respective fields:

Ethan Monreal-Jackson on navigating the macro landscape for underrepresented founders.

Vernon Johnson (RBS 2016) on the journey of building and exiting a startup within the Austin ecosystem.

Devon Cash (RBS 2014) on his investment thesis regarding the role of AI in Private Equity.

Sebastian Flores (RBS 2009) on the future of the attention economy and GTM strategy.

Austin was just the beginning—we look forward to bringing the Venture Lab LIVE tour to Boston, New York City, and San Francisco later this year.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this milestone.

03/04/2026

We are constantly inspired by how our community identifies and solves the world’s most complex challenges. Today, we are proud to feature a conversation that perfectly illustrates this drive. 🔗 https://ronbrown.org/podcast/how-stablecoins-can-bridge-global-trade-emmanuel-udotong-rbc-15-shield/

In our latest podcast episode, hosted by Ray Pryor, IV (RBS ’15) and presented by the Ron Brown Venture Lab, we sit down with Emmanuel Udotong (Captain ’15), Co-Founder and CEO of Shield.

Emmanuel’s journey is a powerful study in visionary leadership:

The Strategic Pivot: Originally focused on Web3 security, Shield has evolved to build the decentralized financial infrastructure that import-export businesses need to thrive.

Solving Real-World Barriers: By focusing on the "middle market"—a sector often overlooked by traditional fintech—Shield is breaking down banking barriers and building the trust necessary for global trade.

Leadership with Purpose: Motivated by their immigrant backgrounds, Emmanuel and his team are defining a new category in fintech designed specifically for trade-heavy businesses.

With so much shifting in the global labor and trade markets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and social impact.

🎧 Listen to the full episode with Emmanuel Udotong here: https://ronbrown.org/podcast/how-stablecoins-can-bridge-global-trade-emmanuel-udotong-rbc-15-shield/

This episode is sponsored by Spira Capital.

$RBSimpact

01/08/2026

The Ron Brown Scholar Program is often asked: What is the secret sauce? How has this community thrived and expanded for more than three decades?

The answer is simple, yet profound. The "secret sauce" is the extraordinary network of Scholars—their drive, their sense of social responsibility, and their commitment to solving the world's most pressing challenges. It is the community that rallies to support one another, whether in the boardroom or through a simple check-in call between classmates.

A powerful reminder of this mission in action is featured in our latest podcast episode with Colin Webb (RBS' 14), founder and CEO of Avatar Robotics.

Colin's work is a testament to the "Value Added" our Scholars bring to the global stage:

Addressing Critical Needs: Through Avatar Robotics, Colin is tackling labor shortages in American manufacturing by deploying flexible, efficient robot fleets.
Amplifying Human Potential: He shares a vision where automation doesn't eliminate jobs but instead amplifies what human beings are capable of achieving.
The Power of the Network: From his early days founding "Sauce" to leading a robotics revolution, Colin's journey reflects the resilience and innovation fostered within the Ron Brown family.

In a world that often feels divided, Colin's work reminds us of what is possible when talented, courageous individuals show up for one another and for the future of our industries.

🎧 Listen to the full episode, "Why American Factories Need Robots," here: https://ronbrown.org/podcast/why-american-factories-need-robots-colin-webb-rbs-14-avatar-robotics/

12/20/2025

In a season centered on Peace and Joy, we are reflecting on what those words mean for our Scholars, Captains, and Navigators. 🕊️✨

For a student, peace is the security of knowing their hard work will be met with opportunity. It’s the confidence that comes from a lifelong community of mentors and peers standing behind them.

The joy is what follows—seeing our Scholars lead in their communities, excel in their careers, and carry forward the legacy of the late Ronald H. Brown.

This holiday season, you can be the spark that provides both. Your year-end gift ensures that the next generation of leaders has the resources they need to thrive without barriers.

Give the gift of opportunity today. Donate now at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/ron-brown-scholar-fund

Wishing you a season filled with peace, and a New Year full of purpose.

12/18/2025

🐎 Can AI Save the Equine Industry?

Watch & Listen here: https://ronbrown.org/podcast/saving-horses-with-computer-vision-jadal-williams-rbs-17-vision-sense-analytics

From professional sports to construction, Jadal Williams (CEO of Vision Sense Analytics) has mastered the art of applying Computer Vision (CV) and AI to complex problems. Now, he’s taking on his biggest challenge yet: saving million-dollar horses.

In this episode, Jadal joins host Ray Pryor, IV to discuss how Vision Sense Analytics is using tech to detect colic—a condition that can be fatal to horses within hours—before it’s too late.

📍 Key Takeaways:

High-Stakes Care: The equine industry manages assets worth millions; AI ensures their safety 24/7.

The Relationship Economy: Success in the horse world depends on building deep rapport with barn owners and vets.

Scalable Tech: While starting with horses, this technology has the potential to revolutionize livestock and pet care globally.

Data-Driven Welfare: Understanding animal behavior through data is the future of veterinary medicine.

🎙️ Hosted by: Ray Pryor, IV (2015 Ron Brown Scholar) 🚀 Presented by: Ron Brown Venture Lab 💼

Sponsored by: Spira Capital

Focus on your vision, let Spira Capital handle the rest. Whether it’s bookkeeping, HR, or international payroll, Spira Capital is your fractional C-Suite, giving you the scale to grow without the administrative headaches.

🔗 Learn more at: spiracapital.co

12/10/2025

What happens when you combine the clinical expertise of a Medical Doctor, the strategic mind of a VC, and a personal passion for wellness?

You get Volta Health. Podcast link: https://ronbrown.org/podcast/streamlining-healthcare-on-college-campuses-tsikata-apenyo-rbc-14-volta-health/

In this episode of the Ron Brown Venture Lab podcast, host Ray Pryor, IV sits down with Tsikata Apenyo (Founder & CEO, Volta Health) to discuss how he is building the "digital front door" for health and wellness on college campuses.

We dive deep into the intersection of higher ed and health tech. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation:

📌 The Problem: Higher ed institutions often resist change, and navigating the system is a nightmare for students in crisis.

📌 The Solution: Automating compliance and creating a centralized digital entry point saves resources and lives.

📌 The Insight: Insurance companies are the sleeping giants that can fund these essential services.

📌 The Journey: Entrepreneurship requires passion—Tsikata’s own experiences with mental health fueled his pivot from VC to founder.

🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear how Tsikata is leveraging his background to innovate a legacy industry. https://ronbrown.org/podcast/streamlining-healthcare-on-college-campuses-tsikata-apenyo-rbc-14-volta-health/

— Presented by: The Ron Brown Venture Lab Sponsored by: Spira Capital — Your fractional C-Suite. From bookkeeping to HR, Spira gives you the scale and stability to grow. Visit spiracapital.co.

12/01/2025

HISTORY MADE: Meet Our First-Ever Rhodes Scholar!

On the newest episode of the podcast, we sit down with Florence Onyiuke (RBS 2022), the program's first-ever Rhodes Scholar! 🏆 https://ronbrown.org/podcast/introducing-our-rhodes-scholar-florence-onyiuke-rbs-22/

Florence opens up about the power of asking questions, the importance of interdisciplinary study at the Huntsman Program (UPenn), and her vision for West Africa's future.

Key takeaways from our chat:

✨ Why cultural assimilation is an exciting challenge, not a barrier.

✨ How travel broadens the scope of what is possible.

✨ Why social enterprise is the key to driving change in Africa.

Florence is proof that when you combine curiosity with community support, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

🎧 Listen in https://ronbrown.org/podcast/introducing-our-rhodes-scholar-florence-onyiuke-rbs-22/

11/20/2025

Ron Brown Scholar Aissata Bah (RBS 2020) is developing BOOK CLUB — a sharp, heartfelt television pilot about creativity, identity, and the power of telling your own story.

Set in a small town outside Atlanta in 2015, the show follows Amina, a quiet middle schooler whose secret life as a writer on a fictional storytelling app suddenly thrusts her into the spotlight. When the town bans the app, Amina and her friends go on a mission to protect the stories that help them feel seen.

At its core, Book Club is about belonging, reinvention, and the courage it takes to define yourself on your own terms.

Learn more about the pilot and follow its journey on her site: https://seedandspark.com/fund/book-club

11/10/2025

Read the full story → https://ronbrown.org/article/three-ron-brown-scholars-named-obama-voyager-scholarship-recipients/

Leadership, vision, and service — three qualities that define the Ron Brown Scholar community.

This year, we're proud to recognize Kishanti Barmoh, Faith Buggs, and Aisha Makama, who were named Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service recipients.

Created by President Barack Obama, Mrs. Michelle Obama, and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, the Voyager Scholarship supports rising college juniors committed to creating positive change. Each recipient receives up to $50,000 in financial aid, a $10,000 travel stipend, and access to a national network of emerging leaders.

For Kishanti, Faith, and Aisha, this honor isn't just recognition — it's a launchpad to expand their impact and continue leading with purpose.
Join us in congratulating them on this incredible achievement.

11/06/2025

We're thrilled to celebrate William Tarpeh (RBS 2008), who has been named a 2025 MacArthur Fellow — one of the nation's highest honors for innovation and creativity. Full story: https://ronbrown.org/article/william-tarpeh-named-2025-macarthur-fellow/

A Stanford University engineer and researcher, William is transforming the way we think about waste — developing technologies that recover clean water, fertilizers, and energy from discarded materials. His work is advancing sustainability and equity on a global scale.

William's brilliance and commitment to service reflect the very best of the Ron Brown Scholar community.

Join us in congratulating him on this incredible achievement! 🎉

10/31/2025

he 2026 Ron Brown Scholar Application is now open through December 1, 2025. Apply at https://ronbrown.my.site.com/s/

Each year, only 20 exceptional high school seniors are selected to join a legacy nearly three decades strong. Recipients receive a $40,000 scholarship ($10,000 per year) — and more importantly, lifelong access to mentorship, professional guidance, and a powerful network of

Scholars and Alumni who are leading in every field.

If you know a student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, and a heart for service, please encourage them to apply.

Learn more and share the opportunity ➡️ https://ronbrown.my.site.com/s/

Address

2410 Old Ivy Road, Suite 200
Charlottesville, VA
22903

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+14349641588

Website

http://www.ronbrown.org/, https://linktr.ee/ronbrownscholars

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