The Alona C. Simmons Scholarship Fund
Financial assistance for education is available for low-income high school seniors pursuing a college education, for high school dropouts prepared to reenter the school system to pursue a GED or a trade, and for single mothers hoping to advance there educational careers.
The fund is named in honor of Alona C. Simmons who passed away unexpectedly November 7, 2010. Alona was the daughter of Simuel Whitfield Simmons, for whom the SWS Organization is named, and the mother of Natasha Rodgers, SWS Executive Director and Founder. Alona began volunteering by her father’s side in the 1960s, helping less fortunate people in Newark, New Jersey. Her charitable work continued throughout her life. She was committed to the SWS Organization since its inception, paying special attention to SWS’s youth programs.
To honor and cherish her memory, the SWS Scholarship Fund has been aptly renamed after Ms. Simmons.
Recent Recipients
Fateem Washington
2026 Alona C. Simmons 2026 Scholarship Recipient: Fateen Washington — Kean University, Forensic Science
