About the Nonprofit
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About TAP Foundaton
Vision
To supply a minimum of three financial scholarships a year and ongoing support to scholars that pursue and complete a major of their choice for a maximum of five years.
Mission
To annually provide scholarship funds and support to “worthy” students who meet the requirements and criteria of the TAP Foundation through the “It Takes A Village Concept”.
The “It Takes A Village Concept,” means it takes all of the people involved in the life of a child to give their best in doing their part in the raising of a child. We here at the TAP Foundation believes that we all need to help our children reach their educational goals.
Origin & Purpose
The TAP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was created as a result of the dream of Tyrone A. Parker, II, a young man filled with the passion for drumming and producing music. Tyrone is the only son of Zelda Parker, a single mom, who struggled to raise her son and provide him with the necessary resources for him to pursue his dream. Through many sacrifices, much prayer, Godly determination, and the support of family and friends, Tyrone persevered. Despite the challenges, Tyrone graduated from Catonsville High School in 2012 and was accepted to Shenandoah University where he thrived in the study of his life’s passion – MUSIC PRODUCTION
To pursue his dreams, and in an effort to chart his own course, Tyrone pursued scholarships to assist in the funding of his education. During his pursuits, a dear friend offered to host an annual scholarship benefit concert with Tyrone at the helm demonstrating his talent, which enabled Tyrone to continue his quest for his degree. On May 13, 2017, Tyrone received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Shenandoah University. The manifestation of the dream further inspired Tyrone to continue to pay forward the support he received during his educational journey to support other students that have similar educational resource challenges. This idea evolved into the Tyrone A. Parker, II (TAP) Foundation along with the talents of family and friends.
The TAP Foundation was a financial resource and holistic support to Tyrone. Now, it is the bridge to help other students pursue their life’s dreams. Through the “It Takes A Village Concept”, Tyrone and Zelda’s family and friends assist in fundraising and other financial support throughout the year to ensure that students like Tyrone meet and exceed their defined educational and life goals.
In 2016, the TAP Foundation board focused on giving back and awarded its first scholarships.
Most recently, the Foundation is sponsoring the inagural Dr. Leroy Barton, Jr. Memorial Scholarship for the Performing Arts fundraiser event. Dr. Leroy Barton, Jr. was an educator, administrator, mentor to his students, and a prolific musician. He played all woodwind instruments across diverse genres of music and with multi-talented entertainers and performers. Dr. Barton was a versatile soloist, ensemble member, clinician, and conductor who had a wide range of performing experiences. He served as a Professor at the University of the District of Columbia’s (UDC), until his passing in 2022. Dr. Barton was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and believed in providing service in his community. He was an alumnus of Howard University, a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Gamma Pi Chapter, a dedicated member of Morning Star Baptist Church, and a Veteran (he served in the United States Marine Corps and the Army National Guard).
This Scholarship was envisioned to honor Dr. Barton’s memory, his profound impact on his family, friends, students, the world of music, and to provide financial support for students planning to attend college to major in the performing arts. Once funded, scholarships will be awarded annually.