About Ruth E. Benjamin, M.L.S.
Ms. Benjamin taught in the Putnam County District Schools for ten years; worked as a Research Assistant at Florida A& M University for two years while attending FSU; taught eight years in Alachua County Public Schools; and, retired (2008) from St. Johns River State College after working 18 years in the capacity of Public Services Librarian/Professor. She currently serves as Church Administrator for the Palatka House of God since 2008.
Ms. Benjamin is the founder and past President of the Putnam County African-American Cultural Arts Council; she is the chairperson for the City of Palatka Martin Luther King, Jr. Festival; is the co-founder and served as chairperson for the Putnam County Concerned Citizens for the Education of Our Children; and served on the Putnam County Public Library Advisory Board.
Ms. Benjamin is a member of the Palatka House of God Church under the leadership of Dr. Gilbert L. Evans, Jr., where she serves on the Deacon/Deaconess Board, is co-chairperson of the Finance Board and church treasurer, she teaches the Women’s Sunday School Class and serves on the Board of Trustees. She is also Business Manager and Booking Agent for gospel recording artist/evangelist Punch Baldwin and PowerPak Ministries, Inc.
Ruth E. Benjamin was born to Elder and Mother A.B. Benjamin in Palatka, FL; she is one of nine children born to this union. Ms. Benjamin was educated in the public schools of Putnam County; received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Bethune-Cookman College, an HBCU (’71), studied two years at the University of Florida (Library Science Certification), and received the Master of Library Science from Florida State University (’84).
About The Ruth E. Benjamin HBCU Educator’s Scholarships
The Ruth E. Benjamin HBCU Educator’s Scholarship is designed for high school graduates who will become a trained teacher by attending a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the 2023-2024 academic year. This award honors Ms. Benjamin’s personal achievements and dedication as a leader in education community. This is a $1,000 scholarship award, renewable for up to four (4) years. Applications are due on April 30, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
Have an unweighted overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Be a graduating high school senior who will major in Education (i.e., plans to be a teacher)
Be a Florida resident and attend any HBCU in-person upon high school graduation
Provide a complete copy of the 2023-2024 FAFSA® Student Aid Report (SAR)
Upload a typed, 250- to 300-word essay is required. The essay should outline how their career path in teaching will impact their community and help them merge on the path to postsecondary success. Must be your original work.
A full list of required documents and the scholarship application for the 2023-2024 academic year can be found HERE.