Youth involved with Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) just got a leg up on the career ladder, thanks to the legacy of Douglas C. Moore, who was a member of FCCS’s Board of Trustees for sixteen years. Moore was also president of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1632, City of Columbus. He was a graduate of Bluefield State College in 1968 with a BS degree in Education. He was also steadfast voice for youth, families, and all working people. Moore, who passed away in December 2022, will be remembered for his dedication to providing youth access to learning skills and guiding them toward bright futures.
To keep Moore’s legacy alive, FCCS will award two Douglas C. Moore Trade and Technical School Scholarships annually beginning in 2024. This is an opportunity to provide youth with alternative options to post-high school education and career development, and open additional opportunities for them to earn a substantial living. Young adults who have obtained their high school diploma or GED and have an open or closed case with FCCS are eligible to apply. This includes post-emancipated youth. The preferred programs for study are accredited trade, technical, and vocational colleges, as well as job training programs providing certification, licensure, or bonding. Other programs may be considered. The two renewable scholarships will be in the amount of $4,000 each.
With the addition of these scholarships, the agency is well equipped to support youth in reaching their academic and career goals in a wide variety of ways. According to FCCS Director of Volunteer Services and Child Enrichment Eboni Partlow, “We hope that these scholarships help provide our youth with access to education, skills, and opportunities to gain self-efficacy and achieve their wildest dreams.”
By Marion Thompson
