The Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is pleased to announce the creation of an endowed scholarship to honor late Congressman and Alabama-native John Robert Lewis. The John Lewis “Good and Necessary Trouble” (“GANT)” Endowed scholarship is a service-learning opportunity that integrates research and community-based practice in addressing social change throughout UAB and surrounding areas. Spendable earnings from the scholarship will be used to assist deserving first-generation students at UAB. The naming will be formally considered for acceptance by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees at its February meeting.

The John Lewis “Good and Necessary Trouble” (“GANT)” Endowed scholarship is a service learning opportunity that integrates research and community-based practice in addressing social change throughout UAB and surrounding areas. Each year, the GANT Scholarship will provide a monetary award to UAB students who demonstrate a continued commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community engagement. Additionally, students are paired with a mentor who provides academic support in their personal and academic development. Scholars will also develop their resumes and/or curriculum vitae, write personal and research statements, and obtain letters of recommendations. 

GANT Scholars Program Objectives 

• Mentor students on areas of interest involving community engagement 
•  Provide scholars with opportunities to engage in the community through internships and applied research within their field of interest 
• Expose scholars to theory, research, and practice of social justice within underserved communities 
• Connect students in a supportive GANT cohort with access to resources and develop a community of mutual support and collaboration 
• Train students to apply for internships and research opportunities 
• Empower scholars to pursue graduate/professional school within their academic field and become agents of change in their communities 

A committee of cross-campus representatives was formed to create the GANT scholarship. Those members are:

• Jazmine Benjamin, Graduate Student Government
• Rodrena Bush, Health System
• Paulette Patterson Dilworth, PhD, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Rebecca Gordon, Advancement 
• Kristina Ria Herald, PhD, School of Health Professions
• Tyler Huang, Undergraduate Student Government Association
• Tina Kempin Reuter, Institute for Human Rights, College of Arts and Sciences
• Brandon Wolfe, PhD, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Emily Wykle, Office of the President

Download the John Lewis “Good and Necessary Trouble” (GANT) Endowed Scholarship guidelines.