WELCOME.

It’s my distinct pleasure to welcome you all to the 2023 Greater Steps Scholars’ Annual Award Ceremony. I feel very privileged and honored to be here to acknowledge the achievements of our extraordinary scholars and graduates. Thank you to our scholars, alumni, board members, donors, and community partners for tuning in today. Thank you to our sponsors for your investment in our scholars.

This year’s theme, Legacy, was chosen to celebrate our 40th Anniversary AND acknowledge the 1,000 scholars whose lives have been impacted by Greater Steps Scholars since 1983. Many GSS alumni have honored GSS Founder Dr. John T. Crawford’s legacy by sharing their time, talents, and treasure to GSS - contributing financially, becoming mentors to current GSS scholars, and creating scholarships of their own to help the next generation.

The work of the Greater Steps Scholars has been made possible due to a long-standing partnership between INLIVIAN and Foundation for The Carolinas. Both entities have come together to help us transform lives as we work to break the cycle of poverty through access to higher education, social capital, and career training. We are deeply grateful for our relationship with them both.