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The Good Paid Forward Scholarship was formed by Claflin Alumna and Cosmopolitan Creative Group Owner, Marshaé Smith, with the motivation of paying it forward to students currently attending her Alma Mater.

 

The application questions focus on the importance of HBCUs, visionary leadership, spreading acts of kindness and more.  In addition to providing financial assistance, Ms. Smith is committed to remaining connected to the Good Paid Forward Scholars to provide ongoing mentorship throughout their college matriculation, just as her mentors did for her.

Lastly, unlike most scholarships, we made a conscious decision to have a lower than usual minimum GPA requirement because, while we do believe in rewarding those who work hard to maintain a high GPA, we also believe in the value of giving second chances and support to those who may have had a less than desirable semester in the past.

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LEARN MORE

  • What is the standard turnaround time for orders?
    Brand Design: 6-8 weeks Web Design: 8-10 weeks Brand and Web Design: 10-12 weeks Retainer Projects: up to 3 business days depending on availabilty
  • How are payments made and when?
    For brand and web design packages, our clients have the option to pay in full up front OR to make a 50% deposit and then pay the remaining balance on a 6-8 week payment plan. Payment plans may not be available on lower value packages and will be offered at the designer's discretion. For retainer packages, payment is due in full prior to the start of the service period and must be billed via a reoccuring, automatic draft.
  • What are your business hours?
    Mon, Wed, Fri — 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST Tues & Thurs — 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM EST Weekends & Holidays — Closed
  • What file types will I receive of my artwork?
    Your logos will be provided in both vector and raster formats with transparent backgrounds in the following file types: EPS, SVG, PDF, PNG and JPEG. We’ll also provide you with copies of your logo in solid black and solid white. All other artwork will be provided as a JPEG or PDF file unless otherwise requested.
  • Do you all print and ship?
    Yes! Printing and worldwide shipping is available via an outsourced company. Please note that 1) the client is responsible for any and all printing and shipping costs associated with their order, and 2) the time required for print production, processing and shipping is not included in the design turnaround window, but will follow subsequently and begin on the date which your order is placed by the designer with respect to the print company’s daily cut off times.
past scholars
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PennShelia Griffin

2021 LIFE AND CAREER UPDATE

I graduated early from Claflin University as the Fall 2019 Valedictorian with Magna Cum Laude honors. Since then, I have secured two employment opportunities with NHC Healthcare's Rehabilitation Unit working with Physical Therapy Patients – as well as 3 internships across North and South Carolina.

 

I am currently in the process of applying and waiting for acceptances into medical school for my Physical Therapy Doctoral program and I've so far completed 5 health-related courses that will count towards my degree. Outside of school and work, I started and own “HandmadebyPenny” where I provide quality handmade and custom products ranging from custom picture pillows, birthday/wedding sashes, custom shirts, handmade bathing suits, custom wine glasses/cups, photo canvas, baby accessories and more! It has been amazing watching my business flourish.

 

I am also traveling the world, seeking more internships and thanking God in the process of it all. I truly thank The Good Paid Forward Scholarship for having a hand in my success! 

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Stephon Clunis

2021 LIFE AND CAREER UPDATE

After receiving the Good Paid Forward scholarship, I graduated with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology and became the Spring Valedictorian of my class in May 2019. I immediately went on to the University of New Haven located in West Haven, Connecticut to pursue my masters degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. Here I was offered the provost scholarship and a graduate assistantship. I will graduate in August 2021, so at the moment, I am finishing up my masters and working as an intern at Indium Corporation  located in Utica, NY.

The Good Paid Forward scholarship not only helped to alleviate my college expenses, but it was also a  source of motivation. Throughout college I applied for numerous scholarships, and the only message I would ever receive was "Thank You for applying...". Receiving a "Congratulations!" email from The Good Paid Forward scholarship was a heartwarming and encouraging moment that propelled me forward and provided the funding needed to finish school. Because of this scholarship, I was able to live out my dream of becoming Valedictorian and I made it a priority to give a shoutout to Marshae and her company during my speech.

"If you're lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down."
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2018-2019 DONOR LIST

 COSMOPOLITAN LEVEL DONORS:

($100 and Up)

 

Jerame Smalls

SILVER LEVEL DONORS:

($21-$49)

Cellipha Joseph 

Malahah Waller

Amari Battiste

Kiana Williams

Portia Bosco

Isha Conteh

Jasmine Parsons

Quinton Wallace 

Camblyss Pinckney 

Matisse Lee

Brianna Worley

Tracey Lee Dimsoy

Dae’Keria Stewart

Jazmine Diggs

Coach Latisha Luckett

Brianna Polite

Kadejah Johnson

Crystal Brooks

Chymaine Guinyard

BRONZE LEVEL DONORS:

($20 and Below)

Kimberly Elliot

Sierra Williams 

Jordan Barnes

Taylor Willis 

Broderick Williams

Valencia Perry

Amber Nelson

Xania Jackson

Brandi McFadden

Anisha Shaw

Cami McLaughlin

Lanice Kibler

Amber Nelson

GOLD LEVEL DONORS:

($50-$99)

 

Roshamod Torrance 

April Frasier

Alexia Parnell

Brianna Smith

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