Introduction:

Wichita African Union, Inc. (WAU) is a 501C(4) Nonprofit organization, waiting for approval of 501 (c) (3) tax exempt application, by the African Diaspora in Wichita, Kansas. EIN # 45-4583328 and Kansas State Registration ID 4588224. The following program activities are at the center of its mission: promoting educational excellence through scholarship awards to college and university students and mentorship of the youth, and charitable and outreach activities to the broader Wichita community and on the continent of Africa. All members of the organization, executive officers and the Board are volunteers. Visit our website at www.wichitaafricanunion.org and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wichitaafricanunion.WAU to what we have been working on. 

Who is the beneficiary of the scholarships:

The scholarships are mostly given to international African students but includes some students from other marginalized communities. Schools are given criteria to go by in selecting recipients.  We have been giving four one-time scholarships per year on average. With enough money we can cover two semesters and possibly add one more recipient to make it five. The recipients are drawn from colleges and universities in Wichita and the nearby towns. A budget of $5,000/year would bring about tangible impact.

Why African International Students:

They pay out of state tuition and fees rates, they are not allowed to work off campus unless they get authorization although sometimes the jobs on campus are limited, they are usually limited to 20 work hours per week, and most of the jobs are of minimum wage. Also, their needs go beyond just tuition and fees and board; they must adjust to the new climate and culture.

Majority of the members of WAU took the same path of coming here to study in pursuit of the American dream. Because of this we understand the need and the struggle. So, we are now extending our hand to those taking this journey today and others who may also need help.

We are encouraged by the impact we have seen from the education we ourselves and some members of our community received. We would like to continue building a community with educated members who can contribute to the development of its community, economy of the state, the federal government, and the continent of Africa.

 What else:

Our education efforts do not end with those going to school. We would like to do more with our outreach programs to include educational seminars for our community to help bring awareness on areas that we can adapt as a community to bring about stability and positive economic outcomes for families, the community and those around us. We also want to hold workshops to help displaced African families and individuals assimilate into the American culture and to explore what else we can do to help the youth stay motivated about education and the future. We want to build leaders of tomorrow and a vibrant community. A budget of $5,000/year for outreach would get us started.

Budget Ask Total is $15,548:

Scholarships: $5,000

Education Outreach: $5,000

Overhead Expenses: $5,548/Year – It takes money to run programs and to exist.

The fundraiser duration is May 1 to August 31, 2024.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT. WITH YOUR SUPPORT WE ARE ABLE TO MEET OUR GOALS. NO DONATION IS TOO SMALL.