Mary E. Wood and Larry W. Carter Scholarships Available for Black Students
Feb. 1, 2023
The Community Foundation is pleased to administer two scholarships to local Black students looking to further their education.
The Mary E. Wood Scholarship assists Black students in financing their education at a university, college or trade school. Eligible students must have received either a high school diploma or a high school equivalency general education diploma.
The Larry W. Carter Scholarship is available to any qualifying Black Iowa resident enrolled in a full- or part-time college program, at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
About Mary E. Wood
Mary E. Wood was born August 28, 1902, in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended Des Moines Public Schools and graduated from East High School. In 1924, she received her bachelor’s degree from Drake University and continued her education at New York University in New York City, receiving a Master of Arts in Education.
Mary Wood was the first Black woman in the United States to be named executive director of a greater metropolitan YWCA and held that position in several states. After retiring, she served as a consultant for the National Board of the YWCA and implemented its imperative to "eliminate racism wherever it exists by any means necessary." The Mary E. Wood Scholarship at the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines is dedicated to fulfilling her dream.
About Larry W. Carter
Larry W. Carter was also educated in Des Moines Public School system. He was the first African American to enroll and graduate from the Intermountain School of Telegraphy. He also received a degree from the Marquette University Advanced School of Management and the Management Development Institute.
Larry Carter worked for Norwest Financial for more than 27 years and eventually became one of the highest ranking Black corporate officers in Des Moines.
Mr. Carter’s hope was to grow the scholarship to continue supporting students for years to come. “The goal of the Larry W. Carter Scholarship Fund is to provide an annual tuition grant to qualified applicants each year. With generous help from other members of our community, my dream is that this fund will grow and provide even more scholarships.”
Application Process
The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines administers these scholarship funds. Students can learn more about the Mary E. Wood Scholarship and the Larry W. Carter Scholarship, and contact Sarah Cahill with questions. The deadline to apply is May 1.