VAP Youth Leadership & STEAM scholarship

Omar Wade STEAM Scholarship

The Virginia Africa Partnership Youth Leadership and STEAM Award was established in 2023. Over the past three years, the Virginia Africa Partnership (VAP) has awarded more than 14 scholarships to deserving low-income students dedicated to pursuing studies in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). These opportunities empower students to access promising career paths and improve their long-term economic prospects.

The Virginia Africa Partnership is honored to dedicate this scholarship program to the memory of OMAR WADE, our very first scholarship recipient in 2023. That year, OMAR, a 19 year – old boy was ready to start his academic journey and embrace STEAM studies. Unfortunately, while on a camping trip, OMAR and his two sisters drowned in the James River, causing shock waves to entire organization.

OMAR WADE embodied the values and purpose behind this scholarship—resilience, ambition, and a commitment to excellence. Although his time with us was tragically brief, OMAR WADE continues to inspire our mission. By naming this scholarship in his honor, we aim to preserve his legacy and ensure that his dreams live on through others. Each award given will serve as a tribute to his life and the promise he represented, and as a reminder of the profound difference one person’s story can make in the lives of many

The 2025 Omar Wade STEAM Award Ceremony took place on:

May 24th 2025, 2pm – 5pm Metropolitan Richmond Main Library 101 E Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23219

The theme, “Stimulating and Sustaining STEM Entrepreneurship“

2025 Omar Wade STEAM Scholarship

The Banquet STEAM Scholarship Dinner, is a key fundraising event that supports the growth of our Youth STEAM Scholarship Program. The 2025 Gala is scheduled for April 19, 2025, at TownePlace Suites Potomac Mills By Marriott, 14090 Shoppers Best Way Woodbridge, VA 22192.

Join us to support the next generation of STEAM leaders. We thank you for your donation or your consideration at sponsoring our events.

Eligibility Criteria

Be currently enrolled as a high school senior.
Have applied to, and either been accepted or anticipate acceptance to, an accredited college with a STEAM program.
Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Demonstrate involvement in community service, including activities such as church initiatives, volunteering at food banks, peer tutoring, coaching, assisting at animal shelters, participating in school teams, or engaging in individual volunteer work.

All nomination applications must be submitted by April 30, 2025.

We sincerely hope that you will consider participating or volunteering in this exciting opportunity to contribute to our mission of nurturing future leaders in STEM and business.

Warm regards,

Barbara Reese-Moses
Executive Secretary, Virginia Africa Partnership

How to Apply

Please complete this form To Apply

Name *

First

Last

Date of Birth

Gender *

Email Adress *

Phone Number *

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Educational Information

College Name Attended

Current/Last School Attended *

Year of Graduation

Area of Study *

GPA/Percentage/Grades *

Intended College or University

Desired Major *

Community Volunteer Activities

List your top 3