Second Chance Scholarship Honoring Gerald Branch-Bey
The Criminal Justice Club at Governors State University established this scholarship for previously incarcerated individuals who wish to begin or continue their college education. One such individual is Mr. Gerald Branch-Bey. Gerald Branch-Bey is an alumnus of Governors State University, earning a 4.0 in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in the Criminal Justice Department. Born in Flint, Michigan and raised on the south side of Chicago, he overcame the magnetism of gangs, drugs, and crime. In 1979, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1982, he was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 60 years imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. He served 30 years of that 60-year sentence. During his imprisonment, he acquired his GED and went on to achieve his Associate Arts Degree in General Studies. While incarcerated, he also studied law. When he was released in 2012, he continued his education by enrolling in GovState’s criminal justice program. There, he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree with a 4.0 GPA. Gerald did not stop there. He went on to further his education in the criminal justice curriculum mainly due to his own experience with the criminal justice system. While studying for his Masters, he co-presented alongside Professor Caron Jacobson at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. He procured his Masters in 2018 with a 4.0 GPA.
This scholarship honors Mr. Branch-Bey due to his many volunteer hours speaking in criminal justice classes since his graduation. His words have impacted so many of our students, and his ideology on the criminal justice apparatus embodies the essence of empathy for humanity and justice for all. He will forever be a role model for justice-involved citizens to persevere and not give up hope when returning to society. It is a lesson to all of us to support individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, not only here at GovState, but in our communities, and society as a whole.
Please consider helping those who really need it by donating to the Second Chance Scholarship Honoring Gerald Branch-Bey today!
Eligibility:
- Must be an individual returning to society after a period of incarceration
- Must be a degree seeking student enrolled (or enrolling) at Governors State University in a minimum of six credit hours and be in good academic standing
- Must have financial need as evidenced by the current FAFSA
Documents Required:
- Applicant must submit an application and essay how this scholarship will affect their career aspirations and how it will assist with their financial need.
Award Information:
One award of 500 dollars.
Note: Award amounts may vary based on funding and availability.
Donation Questions:
Email us at engage@govst.edu or
Call us at +1.708.235.7510
Student Applicants:
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