Donte Douglas is a 2008 Buchtel High School graduate and Project GRAD Akron scholar. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Muskingum College. Donte is currently pursuing his career path as a Case Manager serving children in foster care. In addition to being one of our scholars and a volunteer, Donte is a positive role model and advocate for higher education, particularly among inner-city students.
In May of 2015, Donte was working and living out-of- state. He received a call that his sister, India, had been involved in a serious car accident. India was a 2013 Buchtel High School graduate and a Project GRAD Akron student. After graduation, she was attending college and employed. That morning, India had just left home to attend her college classes. Upon receiving the call, Donte returned home to be with his family. Days later, India died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the accident. Later, the driver of the other vehicle was convicted and sentenced to a prison term.
As the family attempted to cope with the sudden loss of their beloved India, Donte decided that he wanted to do something in her memory. In 2016, Donte along with his parents and sister, established the Project GRAD Akron India Ola Memorial Book Scholarships. Donte turned this tragic situation in a way to pay homage to India by helping others achieve their dreams of completing college.