Coppin State University student Mellany Sophia Morales Menéndez of Chiquimula, Guatemala, has been selected as a 2024 White House HBCU Scholar by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This year’s award has been given to 110 students from 77 HBCUs. 

Scholars will engage in workshops and conferences and network with professionals to prepare them for leadership roles in various sectors.  

“I am honored to be named a White House HBCU Scholar,” said Mellany Morales Menéndez. “This is not just my success; it belongs to my entire family and my country. Coppin has helped me prepare for this moment, with wisdom from my peers and guidance from mentors like Ms. Campbell. I am proud to represent Coppin State University at the White House.” 

Morales Menéndez is a native of Chiquimula, Guatemala. The rising senior is a criminal justice major with plans to become a parole and probation agent after graduation. She is a Coppin State Presidential Scholar and will serve as the first Hispanic-Latina President of the Student Government Association for the 2024-2025 academic year. She also holds the positions of Vice President for Latinx UNIDOs and the Criminal Justice Club.

“Mellany Morales Menéndez exemplifies the core values and academic excellence that we champion at Coppin State University. Her achievements reflect not only her ambitions, but also the transformational environment we cultivate across our entire Coppin community,” said Anthony Jenkins, President of Coppin State University in a statement announcing her appointment. “I am confident that she will continue to be a profound thought-leader, both within our university and beyond.” 

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Equal Opportunity HBCU Scholars program is a part of a White House effort to recognize students from HBCUs.

The White House Initiative HBCU Scholars program is part of a broader White House effort to recognize and empower students from HBCUs.