Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Monday, April 27, 2009

Jasmine Neal, a senior at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, has been awarded a Gates Millennium Scholarship, which covers all undergraduate and graduate school expenses. Jasmine is one of five winners in Kentucky and 1,000 nationwide; more than 20,000 students applied. 

“Everyone’s in rough times, so I’m really glad to relieve my parents of that financial burden,” said Jasmine, who plans to double-major in sociology and Spanish at the University of Chicago. 

The Gates Millennium Scholars program, established in 1999, initially was funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The scholarships aim to reduce financial barriers for minority students and provide seamless support from undergraduate through doctoral programs for students entering the target disciplines of education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and the sciences. 

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Jasmine moved to Lexington in the middle of seventh-grade. She admits she wasn’t the best student in middle school, but says she turned the corner by surrounding herself with positive people who brought out her strengths. 

“You have to find what it is that motivates you and drives you. Once you find that passion or interest, just go for it,” she said. “And have fun while doing it. People do their best while having fun.”  

A good support system, involvement in school and willingness to seek help from teachers and fellow students are key, she added. 

Jasmine called Martika Clark, a 2008 graduate who won a Gates scholarship last year, and asked for guidance on the application and required essays. “Her advice to me was to just pour your heart out in them,” said Jasmine, who is a member of Dunbar’s Leaders in the Making, the Sisterhood community service group, the Spanish honor society and the Mayor’s Youth Council.  

Steve Duerson, sponsor of Leaders in the Making, praised Jasmine as an outstanding student. “She’s one of the hardest workers you’ll ever meet. She’s always looking to improve her skills,” he said. “She’s always willing to help out in any way. … She’s a true leader.”