WASS Leadership & Legacy Scholarship
Honoring leadership, culture, service, and unity at Wayne State University.
The Wayne African Student Society (WASS) Scholarship Program supports student leaders who embody service, cultural respect, and cross-cultural leadership. These scholarships honor our founders and invest in future leaders.
Honoring Leadership & Legacy
WASS Aspiring Leadership Scholarship
To encourage and support active members of the Wayne African Student Society (WASS) at Wayne State University who are consistently engaged, participating, and growing into leadership.
Funded by WASS alumni and community donors, this scholarship recognizes students who may not yet hold formal titles but are showing up, contributing, and developing leadership through action.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a current Wayne State University student
Be an active, engaged member of WASS
Demonstrate consistent participation and reliability
Be in good academic standing at least a 3.0 GPA
Align with the values and mission of WASS
Show interest in leadership development
GET INVOLVED
Support the Legacy. Fund a Future Leader.
Your support helps sustain a 20+ year legacy of leadership at Wayne State University.
Every contribution directly funds scholarships for engaged, committed WASS members.
$250 supports one aspiring leader.
Multiple awards are granted as funds allow.
Custom scholarships are also available. Donors may establish named scholarships and define eligibility criteria aligned with the mission and values of the Wayne African Student Society.
Our Sponsor, Nigerian American Executive Women
Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges and Mrs. Homa Wenah, founding leaders of the Wayne African Student Society, later came together to create Nigerian American Executive Women (NEW)—a space to continue and expand the work that began at WASS over 20 years ago.
What started as student leadership and community has grown into a broader vision. Through NAEW, we are building institutions, leadership pipelines, and intergenerational pathways—ensuring that Nigerian-American women do not lead alone, and that leadership excellence is cultivated, supported, and passed forward.
To support and empower Nigerian-American women by creating opportunities for professional growth, leadership development, mentorship, and community engagement.
Membership sustains scholarships, mentorship, and leadership development.
"Founded in 2004, the Wayne African Student Society (WASS) was created to support the African student community through support, connection, engagement, and family. More than 20 years later, WASS continues to stand strong—serving as a home away from home and a training ground for leadership at Wayne State University.
These scholarships are established to honor that legacy and to ensure that WASS remains a place where leaders are nurtured, supported, and empowered for generations to come."
Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges, Ed.D & Mrs. Homa Wenah
Co-Founders, Nigerian American Executive Women
