Virtual fundraiser for historic Black boarding school Piney Woods

Published 9:45 am Friday, September 25, 2020

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Piney Woods School, one of America’s oldest independent, historically black boarding schools, announces a major fundraising campaign to award up to 200 additional low-income students with future scholarships and tuition assistance to attend school at its rural Mississippi campus. 

On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Woodson Center and partners will host “Black American Values In Action: A Virtual Fundraiser for the Piney Woods School. The virtual fundraiser will begin at 7 p.m. ET (6 p.m. CT)

The historically Black boarding school currently has 100 students in a space that can accommodate 300. Every student receives a scholarship to help pay for their education at Piney Woods; however, the school currently cannot financially support all students who qualify for acceptance into its programs. Money raised during the virtual fundraiser will enable Piney Woods to provide even more deserving students with a rigorous college-preparatory education. Woodson Center and its partners will provide 100 percent in matching funds for all donations. 

Founded in 1909, The Piney Woods School offers a transformative education and dynamic learning environment that integrates lessons within and beyond classroom walls. The campus includes a 200-acre organic demonstration farm, a historic original log cabin schoolhouse and museum documenting the school’s rich history. 

“We firmly believe that students – even those of limited financial means – can do extraordinary things, consistent with the opportunities that we make available to them,” says Piney Woods School President Will Crossley. “No student should be denied a Piney Woods education because of a family’s limited financial circumstances.” 

“Piney Woods’ emphasis on academic rigor and its dedication to fostering a strong work ethic in students serves as a shining example for the nation. Piney Woods graduates show us all how perseverance can overcome challenge,” says Woodson Center President and Founder Bob Woodson.

The Piney Woods School is guided by Christian principles but open to students of all faiths. Every student contributes through work-study programs, community service and daily or weekly chores to help sustain the organic farm.

Joining Crossley and Woodson for a discussion on the profound impact this exceptional school is having on students, their families, and communities, will be  Attorney Moses Boyd, Regionerate CEO Linda Fowler, as well as current and former Piney Woods students, Piney Woods teachers, 1776 Unites Scholars and Kelly Wright, host of The Kelly Wright Show, will emcee the discussion.

The link to the virtual fundraiser is https://www.pineywoodsschool2020fundraiser.org/