Learning, Leading, and Giving Back
The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship was founded by Van Adamson-Thompson, whose passion for giving back to the community grew from his academic journey at UNC Chapel Hill and Duke University. His studies, including a Civic Engagement & Social Change class, introduced him to Stanford University’s six pathways for public service and community engagement: Community-Engaged Research, Community Organizing and Activism, Direct Service, Philanthropy, Social Enterprise, and Governance. Inspired by these pathways, Van sought opportunities to delve deeper into each, culminating in a research paper focused on the name and mascot of Byrnes High School and its connection to the community. This research laid the foundation for creating the Middle Tyger Community Scholarship - to enable youth to learn more about their community and create opportunities for them to be leaders and agents of change.
Lift As You Climb
The Middle Tyger Community Fellows Program selects 3 to 5 rising seniors at Byrnes High School each year. Every student selected becomes a Tyger Fellow — gaining a mentor, joining a cohort, and entering a lifelong community built on mutual investment. One Fellow is additionally named the Middle Tyger Scholar and receives a $2,000 scholarship award.
Public Service, Collective Impact
The Middle Tyger Community Scholarship is dedicated to cultivating future leaders committed to public service and transformational change. Public service is a commitment to society’s collective welfare, transcending individual differences. The scholarship aims to empower Byrnes students to engage in community organizing, activism, and direct service while preparing them for future careers in social enterprise and governance. Through the power of philanthropy and community-engaged research, students will have the opportunity to address community challenges and lay the groundwork for a future where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected.