Northeastern Illinois University remembers Fred Hampton with scholarship

When DeWitt Scott, Ed.D., came to Northeastern Illinois University in 2022, he knew he wanted to create a scholarship in honor of Fred Hampton.

Hampton was the Chairman of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. Founded in 1966, the organization created and ran a number of community service projects, including free food programs, medical clinics and legal assistance. His life ended abruptly when he was assassinated in Chicago at the age of 21.

“At every institution I’ve worked at, I’ve wanted to create a Fred Hampton scholarship,” Dr. Scott said. “Northeastern was just the first place that let me.”

Hampton spoke at Northeastern at least once in 1969 and the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies has previously hosted events for the Black Panther Party. He grew up in the Chicago metropolitan area and was passionate about creating better educational environments for Black students.

Dr. Scott said that he funded scholarships at other schools, but creating one that had Hampton’s name attached to one wasn’t an option.

“Many people don’t know the full history of the Black Panther Party or Fred Hampton,” Dr. Scott said. “They don’t understand the good that was done. It’s in that spirit that I wanted to create this scholarship.”

In 2024, the Fred Hampton Scholarship was awarded for the first time to Jaweria Ahmed, an undergraduate student majoring in Elementary Education. Earlier this year, undergraduate student Brandon Tomblin was named the 2025 Fred Hampton Scholarship winner. Both Ahmed and Tomblin received $1,000 that could be used toward tuition, books or fees.

Among other requirements, to apply for the Fred Hampton Scholarship, Northeastern students must submit an essay discussing the impact the scholarship can have on their educational journey.

“The best way to give back to the education system is to enhance my knowledge, expand on it, and bestow it onto the next generation so that they may continue to grow and nurture their newfound wealth of knowledge,” Ahmed wrote in her essay.

Dr. Scott said that Ahmed’s application impressed the selection committee and they felt she was a great candidate to receive the inaugural scholarship.

“Jaweria's application displayed her passion for education, literature and service,” Dr. Scott said. “In her quest to complete her degree, Jaweria has learned much about herself and what she wants to do in life. Pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher has positioned her to be able to give back to children in ways that are both commendable and admirable.”

Earlier this year, according to Dr. Scott, the scholarship committee was equally impressed by Tomblin’s application.

“Over the past couple of years, Brandon's commitment to education has been evident and impressive,” Dr. Scott said. “He has grown tremendously and done a good job integrating himself as a student leader at NEIU. Brandon's future is bright and I look forward to seeing where his ambition takes him in the near future."

Tomblin, who is majoring in Psychology, is looking forward to graduating so that he can be of service to others, as Hampton was.

“I am fully committed to making the most of the opportunities before me, to honoring the legacy of Fred Hampton through my academic and professional endeavors and to use my education to uplift others and effect positive change,” Tomblin shared in his essay.

Dr. Scott plans to continue to award the Fred Hampton Scholarship annually, with applications opening in the Spring semester and funds awarded for the following Fall semester.

To support this scholarship, visit neiu.edu/give. In the “Designation” field, select “Other” and note “Fred Hampton Scholarship” in the comment field. Questions or funding support inquiries can also be directed to neiufoundation@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4200.

Top photo: A composite image of Dr. Scott (right) with Andre Trenier’s mural of Fred Hampton in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood.