Kenneth Blacks, MPA ’14, made a promise to himself while he was in graduate school; he vowed that after graduation he would give back to the college that had given him so much.
“The Glenn College has been extremely good to me. It not only gave me a scholarship to attend graduate school, but it gave me perspective and gave me self-confidence to explore things. I want to give back,” he said.
Even as a busy safety specialist for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Blacks finds time to support the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, as well as The Ohio State University, through service and philanthropy. He is a member of the Glenn College D.C. outreach committee and is also a board member of The Ohio State University D.C. Alumni Chapter.
One of the many ways Blacks has made a difference is through his support of WAIP’s annual crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for program housing scholarships. He was a big part of the momentum behind the 2018 campaign, that generated more than $22,000 dollars and created five housing scholarships.
“I looked at the crowdfunding campaign as a fun way to start some healthy competition between Glenn College D.C. outreach committee members,” said Blacks. “I set my sights on being number one – over all other D.C. outreach committee members – and was able to reach my goal and bring opportunity to others.”
Blacks went on to experience the significance of giving after being paired as a mentor to Gabe Jackson, who is a WAIP scholarship recipient.
“I was drawn to this particular fundraiser because I knew that the opportunity to live and work in D.C. could change someone’s life for the better,” said Blacks. “Finding out that Gabe was there because of alumni support of the crowdfund really hit home for me. Not long ago, I was in Gabe’s
shoes and feel very fortunate to be in a position to give back.”
Being awarded a housing scholarship gave Jackson the financial resources he needed to take part in the WAIP program.
“I vividly remember the moment I got the email about receiving the scholarship,” said Jackson. “I was doing laundry in the dorm and dropped everything. Instantly, I called my mom, tears were running down my face, and shared the great news. I am looking forward to the time when I can continue the legacy of giving so others can experience moments like this.”
“I am deeply honored that generous individuals, like Kenneth, believed in my dreams and aspirations,” said Jackson. The WAIP crowdfunding campaign has grown each year through the generous support of Glenn College alumni and supporters.
“This will be the fourth year of the WAIP Crowdfunding Campaign,” said Katy Hogan, the Glenn College’s director of Washington Programs. “We’ve sent a total of 12 students throughout the last three years and are eager to continue the tradition.”