This Memorial Scholarship was created in 2004 after the untimely death of a woman of great moral conviction and pride in the children she taught and raised. Each year a scholarship is granted to a graduating senior from a designated high school located in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee* and California. For those who were fortunate to know her understood the many hurdles she faced and how relentless she was in making sure her students had the best opportunity to succeed once they moved on to the next level.

Emma Cunningham was a graduate of Kingsborough Community College and Queens College. After receiving her degrees she started a life commitment in teaching, which was her passion. She taught at P.S. 396 in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn for several years before moving on to Canarsie High School. After relocating to North Carolina she ended her wonderful teaching career at Garner Magnet High School in Garner, North Carolina.  

The Emma L. Cunningham Memorial Scholarship Fund was designed to continue Emma’s legacy to help students in need reach the next level in school and in life. It makes me proud to facilitate this as she has empowered so many in her lifetime to take pride in themselves.  I personally ask those who wish to contribute to her legacy to come join our movement. Together we can harness her undying love and passion for education while making sure it continues to shine forever more.

*Starting in 2022

Honor Emma's legacy.

"The scholarship helped make the dream a reality and I was able to graduate with less debt than other students. I am really appreciative of being chosen for the scholarship!"

-Audrey Lait Dickson, 2009 Recipient