Jerika Harris

Health Sciences, Spelman College
Kankakee High School Graduate

“I have worked diligently throughout school to be in a position to make this dream of mine come true and it has. With Spelman being one of the top HBCUs in the country it has led me to believe that attending there will pave my way to success in the future.”

Jerika Harris, a 2023 recipient of the Mayor Wells-Armstrong African American Civic Leaders Scholarship, is driven by her passion to change the world of healthcare. Graduating from Kankakee High School, her journey has been marked by an extraordinary commitment to her goals, a quality that has set her apart from her peers. Jerika describes herself as someone who will not take no for an answer when it comes to her future. Her acceptance into Spelman College is a testament to her hard work and resilience. This scholarship not only provides financial support, but also recognizes her potential to contribute significantly to the field of health sciences. She aspires to create equitable and attainable healthcare for all. “I plan to serve others in my career by doing my part in making affordable and proactive healthcare available to all people of color regardless of socioeconomic status,” says Jerika. To further her education, she plans to pursue an advanced degree in surgical nursing. Although attending college 10 hours away, Kankaee will always be her hometown. “Through my future career in Surgical Nursing, I would love to give back to the City of Kankakee by investing in the Kankakee School District to benefit those students who see nursing in their future,” states Jerika.