2025-2026 Dorothy L. Smith Nursing Scholarship

Hector Taylor and Danielle Taylor, in partnership with UNCF, established the Dorothy L. Smith Nursing Scholarship to provide 10 one-time need-based scholarship to students who are attending and enrolled in an accredited nursing school program at any UNCF Member Institution, other HBCU, or an accredited four-year institution.

Established in honor of Dorothy L. Smith, this scholarship celebrates the life and legacy of a devoted caregiver, educator, and woman of faith. Born in Red Springs, North Carolina, on November 11, 1925, to Paul H. Gibson and Magnolina McCray, Dorothy dedicated her life to serving others.

Her passion for caring for people led her to pursue a career in nursing, where she served with compassion and dedication for over 25 years. Following her years in the medical field, she transitioned to teaching, sharing her knowledge and nurturing the next generation until her well-earned retirement.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dorothy exemplified a life of service, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her community. This scholarship is awarded in her memory to support students pursuing careers in nursing fields that embody the values she held dear.

Through this scholarship, Dorothy L. Smith’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Student applicants for the Program must meet the following criteria:

• Possess a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
  *Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) form; *Have a demonstrated, unmet financial need as verified by their college or university;
• Must be a citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the U.S.
• Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be planning to attend or currently enrolled in an accredited nursing school program at (in order of preference) any UNCF Member Institution. other HBCU, or an accredited four-year institution.

APPLICATION DETAILS:
Applicants must submit via UNCF’s online scholarship application portal (all parts of the application must be completed):
*A statement describing the applicant’s extracurricular activities and career interests.
*The applicant’s current academic transcript.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who have submitted complete applications will be notified of scholarship decisions within 8 weeks after the application due date.

If you have questions or comments, please contact us at (202) 810-0258 or scholarships@uncf.org.