The second group of college graduates to receive Brown v. Board of Education Scholarships will march today.

The six -- like the first group of eight last year -- will graduate from Saint Paul's College in Lawrenceville.

Several more are on track to graduate from Liberty University, Regent University and Old Dominion University as early as next year, said Brenda Edwards of the Division of Legislative Services and the main contact for the program.

About 100 people have taken advantage of the program since it was created in 2004, gaining everything from General Educational Development certificates to college degrees, Edwards said.

The state developed the scholarship program as a way to right a long-standing wrong.

Various localities across the state adopted a policy of Massive Resistance in the late 1950s rather than desegregate their schools. Charlottesville, Norfolk and Warren County all closed their schools after federal judges ordered desegregation. But while other systems quickly reopened their schools, Prince Edward County left its schools closed for five years until 1964.

The scholarships are restricted to state residents and those affected when the schools closed. The scholarship covers tuition and includes a book allowance.

Contact Jamie C. Ruff at (434) 392-6605 or jruff@timesdispatch.com.