Empowered to Lead: Strada Scholars Thrive at Lincoln University

Lincoln University of Missouri 2024-2025 Strada Scholars and advisors on opening day of the HBCU Leadership Summit in Dallas, Texas, March 28-30, 2025.

Now in its second year at Lincoln University, the Strada Scholars program continues to empower a select group of high-achieving students through academic support, leadership development and community engagement.

Launched at Lincoln in fall 2023, the initiative is part of a broader effort by Strada Education Network — a nonprofit focused on enhancing economic mobility by strengthening connections between education and work. Through a $25 million grant, Strada partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to support the next generation of leaders.

At Lincoln University, the Strada program offers full-tuition scholarships to first-time, minority, incoming freshmen. The renewable four-year scholarship includes a $1,200 summer internship stipend, professional development funding and travel support for the annual HBCU Summit. Students are selected for the Strada program based on their high GPA and leadership skills. 

Students selected for the program must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are recognized for both academic excellence and a strong commitment to their communities.

“The Strada Program is a collection of current Lincoln University students who are hand-picked for their leadership ability and their academic excellence,” said Dr. Danisha Williams, executive director of enrollment management and Strada program advisor. “We are here to provide all the resources that the students need to be successful in their career after graduating Lincoln.”

A Transformative Experience

This year’s Strada Scholars cohort includes the following students: 

• Alan Turk (senior)
• Torron Willis Jr. (senior)
• Renayjah Burton (junior)
• Korriana Williams (sophomore)
• Israel Tate (sophomore)
• Isaiah Tate (sophomore)
• Aaliyah Ball (freshman)
• Kimoura Bettis (freshman)

“The Strada program has given me an incredible opportunity to excel academically, broaden my leadership skills and build meaningful connections with my peers,” said Korriana Williams, a biology major in her second year as a Strada scholar. “It inspires me to push my boundaries and grow both personally and professionally.”

Other students echoed similar sentiments about the program’s positive impact.

“Strada means community and family and being able to grow and learn how to be a better leader,” said Renayjah Burton, a business administration major.

“The Strada program means a lot to me because I have met and connected with so many people, and I’ve learned a whole lot from them,” said Isaiah Tate, a computer information systems major.

“For me, Strada means relationships,” said Aaliyah Ball, a psychology major. “I've created strong relationships with my fellow peers, and it's been a wonderful experience. The impact it's had was that it allowed me to think in ways I've never thought and get out of my comfort zone to be more engaged.”

Lucinda Siemons, fiscal affairs specialist in the advancement and athletics offices, Strada program advisor and senior women’s administrator in athletics, said the Strada program provides students with invaluable lessons in networking and leadership. 

“Strada has been a great program here at Lincoln University,” Siemons said. “It not only helps our students monetarily by giving them a scholarship every semester, it also helps them out through the summer to get internships."

As the program continues to grow, Lincoln University’s Strada Scholars remain shining examples of how purposeful investment in students can lead to lasting personal, academic and professional success.