Institute for Families in Society
2026 Smith Scholarship Recipient
Ashley Grace Burks
Ashley Grace Burks is a senior in the South Carolina Honors College pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with minors in neuroscience and medical humanities and culture. Her interests center on the relational and existential realities of healthcare, particularly how presence influences well-being, resilience, and healing. Before attending medical school, she plans to spend time exploring the intersection of theology and medicine. Ultimately, she hopes to dedicate her career to supporting children and families through complex medical journeys and experiences of grief with compassion and care.
Be A Champion for Youth and Families!
The Michael Daniel Smith and Alexander Tyler Smith Scholarship is funded by an endowment created by Mr. Robert L. Thomas and awarded to the University of South Carolina in memory of Michael and Alexander, who died under tragic circumstances. Each year, the Institute for Families in Society is pleased to offer one scholarship ($1500-$2000, depending on available funds) to a full-time undergraduate student from the UofSC Columbia campus. The student will show outstanding promise in becoming a helping professional for children and families in need. To be eligible, students must be a junior in standing and a Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, or Public Health major. The scholarship funds will be awarded during the student’s senior year.