MERIT program marks 50 years of supporting future STEM leaders
The Delaware Community Foundation’s Minority Engineering Regional Incentive Training initiative, aka MERIT, is marking its 50th anniversary of empowering youth in Sussex County.
MERIT was founded in 1974 by visionary educator and community leader John Hollis. Created in collaboration with engineers from DuPont's Seaford plant, it was designed to offer minority students from Seaford and around Sussex County academic enrichment and college preparatory opportunities rarely found at the time. Over the past five decades, thousands of students have graduated from the program, many of whom have gone on to earn bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
“MERIT has proven to be one of the most satisfying initiatives of the DCF, because its impact has been profound and multigenerational,” said Stuart Comstock-Gay, DCF president and CEO. “Not only is John Hollis dedicated to serving minority youth, his work for the Delaware Community Foundation later in his career was formative in strengthening our then-fledgling southern Delaware office.”
MERIT has become one of Delaware's most successful programs for fostering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among minority youth. It has equipped thousands of students with challenging engineering experiences and powerful leadership skills, while encouraging them to pursue college degrees, especially STEM-related. The program fosters parental involvement, and many MERIT alumni return as volunteers, strengthening the program’s vibrant community and shaping its evolution to meet the needs of future generations.
Hollis’ career includes roles as an administrator, teacher and coach within the Seaford School District, as well as positions with Delaware Technical Community College and the Delaware Community Foundation. His numerous recognitions – including the John H. Taylor Jr. Award, the MLK Community Recognition Award, and the Governor's Volunteer of the Year Award – underscore his unwavering commitment to community service.
MERIT welcomes contributions to its operating fund at delcf.org/donations/merit-program-operating-fund/.
The Delaware Community Foundation invites residents interested in establishing their own funds to contact Mike DiPaolo by emailing mdipaolo@delcf.org.
The mission of the Delaware Community Foundation is to improve Delaware through community-based philanthropy. As a facilitator, information resource and manager of charitable funds, the DCF helps communities and philanthropists focus charitable resources for the greatest community benefit statewide. For more information, visit delcf.org or call 302-571-8004.
