Applications are now open for the 2023/2024 cycle of The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery Scholarship Fund.
In 2022, with support from Direct Relief International, NACPM launched The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery Scholarship Fund in response to the stark underrepresentation of Black and Indigenous midwives in the Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) workforce. At the heart of this initiative, NACPM is dedicated to elevating outcomes for all individuals and infants during childbirth, fostering a CPM workforce that reflects diverse backgrounds, and working towards essential changes within the current U.S. birthing care systems.
Among the individuals awarded a total of $30,000 in direct aid by The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery Scholarship Fund in 2022 is Chanté Perryman, a midwifery student at Mercy In Action College of Midwifery. Chanté's aspirations extend beyond personal achievement; she envisions establishing a freestanding birth center in Kentucky, providing crucial support to Black and Brown families. Her dedication to midwifery stems from a profound commitment to bridging gaps within the healthcare system, offering steadfast support, education, and advocacy during the pivotal and vulnerable moments of childbirth.
Chanté's post-graduation plans embody inclusivity, with a focus on serving her community without judgment. She envisions offering a sliding scale for families in need of financial assistance and actively working on establishing a donation fund to give back to the community she is poised to serve.
In her application essay, Chanté outlined three key initiatives to amplify the capacity of Certified Professional Midwives. First on her list is advocating for national legislation that grants midwives the right to practice across the entire country, establishing a foundational framework for their profession. She wrote about the need for increased funding for midwifery students, particularly those from Black, Brown, and Indigenous backgrounds, aiming to alleviate the financial barriers faced by many aspiring midwives.
Chanté's third initiative centers around ensuring access to midwifery care for families in all communities, transcending traditional boundaries. She envisions expanding midwifery care beyond predominantly white and affluent areas, making it accessible to all families in underserved regions.
Made possible by individual donations and grants from The Skyline Foundation , the next cycle of scholarship applications for The Tanya Khemet Taiwo Midwifery Scholarship Fund will be open until December 8th. This opportunity is extended to second and third-year Black and Indigenous midwifery students enrolled in programs accredited by the Midwifery Education Accreditation Council (MEAC). Awards will be distributed by the end of the year.
For more details, please visit nacpm.org and join us on this transformative journey towards building a more diverse and compassionate midwifery community.