Applications For Our 2025 Scholarships are Now Available!
February 3, 2025
Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Lynne Mitchell Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to help Jamaican students overcome financial barriers to earning post-secondary degrees. Jamaican students who demonstrate excellent academic achievement, leadership abilities, clear career goals, a determination to succeed, and a dedication to giving back to their communities are encouraged to apply. Below are the scholarship opportunities available and the link to the online application portal.
ASPIRE SCHOLARSHIPS
The Aspire Scholarship Program offers financial support to exceptional students attending universities, trade, or vocational schools for post-secondary education. Focused on fostering academic excellence, Aspire provides two scholarship levels to cater to students' diverse needs: (1) Aspire Jamaica Scholarship ($2,500 U.S. Dollars), designed for students attending universities, trade, or vocational schools within Jamaica, this scholarship aims to empower local talent and stimulate growth within Jamaican communities; and (2) Aspire International Scholarship ($5,000 U.S. Dollars) for students enrolled in universities, trade, or vocational schools outside Jamaica, this scholarship facilitates access to global education and opportunities for students to broaden their perspectives.
In 2025, the Lynne Mitchell Foundation will grant 10 Aspire Jamaica Scholarships to eligible Jamaican students enrolled in post-secondary education within Jamaica, along with 2 Aspire International Scholarships for eligible Jamaican students pursuing post-secondary education abroad.
CLAUDIA KAYE FENNELL-GIBBS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Supported by multiple donors in memory of the late Claudia Kaye Fennell-Gibbs, the Claudia Kaye Fennell-Gibbs Memorial Scholarship will grant a $3,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship in 2025 to a qualifying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Claudia was a pillar of strength for her family and a matriarch for her own tribe of 3 beautiful children. She always made an earnest effort to encourage, empower and support the future generation. Her kindness to those in need knew no bounds, while encouraging others to do the little that they could to help better someone else.
ELEANOR HANSELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
In 2025, the Eleanor Hansell Memorial Scholarship, funded by W. Barry Blum in memory of his former elementary school teacher Eleanor Hansell, will grant a $5,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Eleanor taught elementary school in Kansas and in Bristol Township, Pennsylvania for 32 years, shaping the lives of countless children with an uncanny ability to see the best in every child. She was a teacher in the spirit of the Lynne Mitchell Foundation. In 1963, during just her second year in Bristol Township, “Mrs. Hansell” took a special interest in a precocious and unruly first-grader, not only tolerating his near-constant disruptions but always encouraging him with love to reach for the stars. That began a life-long relationship that saw Eleanor and her husband Bob attending that former first-grader’s wedding in Jacksonville, Florida in 1985, now culminating in this memorial scholarship.
LYNNE MITCHELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Established by Marlene Mitchell Gordon to honor her late mother, Lynne Mitchell, in 2025, the Lynne Mitchell Memorial Scholarship will grant a $5,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican woman enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
The Lynne Mitchell Foundation was founded in December 2012 to honor the memory of Lynne Mitchell, a servant leader who taught that love has little to do with what one says and a lot to do with what one does. She would always remind her daughter, "don't just say you love, show your love." During her life, she used her time, talents and resources to do whatever she could - big or small - to make a positive difference in the lives of others, especially those less fortunate than herself. The Lynne Mitchell Foundation and this scholarship continues her legacy of love - one act at a time.
RAMA H. RAWAL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
In 2025, the Rama H. Rawal Memorial Scholarship, funded by Raj Rawal in memory of his late mother, Rama H. Rawal, will grant a $3,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican woman enrolled in university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Rama was an incredibly strong and fiercely independent person. She earned a master's degree at a time when few women in India even went to college. Similarly, when her husband came to America, she remained in India for more than two years and continued to work full-time as a high school teacher while caring for both sons. Rama handled the ups and downs of life with cheerfulness, optimism, and humor.
ERNEST M. CHANNER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Funded by Marlene Mitchell Gordon, in honor of the memory of her uncle, the late Ernest M. Channer, in 2025, the Ernest M. Channer Memorial Scholarship will grant a $3,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican student attending university, trade, vocational or graduate school.
Ernest was a devoted husband and father. He cherished family gatherings and never hesitated to assist both family and friends, regardless of the circumstances. Throughout his arduous 15-year battle with the rare illness Amyloidosis (Familial) that many of his siblings share, Ernest participated in clinical trials, generously sharing his journey to further the advancement of treatment for this disease.
SLYVIA GORDON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
In 2025, the Sylvia Gordon Memorial Scholarship, founded by Charles Gordon in memory of his mother Sylvia Gordon, will grant a $2,500 U.S. Dollar scholarship to a qualifying Jamaican student attending a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
From her years of hard work, struggles and determination, Sylvia fulfilled her dream to ensure that her family was well taken care of. After seeing her children grow up and become independent, Sylvia entered a new chapter, that of being a loving and doting grandmother.
Sylvia handled the challenges of her life by leaning on her strong faith in God. Always the optimist, she was filled with an abundance of love and showed it to everyone she met.
NORMAN J. LAWRENCE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
In 2025, the Norman J. Lawrence Memorial Scholarship, established by Chanteya Lawrence to honor her late father, Norman J. Lawrence, will grant a $2,500 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Norman never forgot about his own struggles as a boy so he and his wife gave back to children in the inner city and around the island to ensure they could get a good education. Norman and his wife Laurice are the product of parents who constantly gave back to support their community which makes a scholarship the best honor to continue their work. Norman affectionately known as “Honey” loved sport especially cricket, horseracing, spending time with family and reading.
LORNA PEARL PHILP & FELIX WILLIAM PHILP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
In 2025, the Lorna Pearl Philp & Felix William Philp Memorial Scholarship, established by Heather Philp to honor her late parents, Lorna Pearl Philp and Felix William Philp, will grant a $5,000 U.S. Dollar academic scholarship to a qualifiying Jamaican student enrolled in a university, trade, vocational, or graduate school.
Our family takes great pride and joy in providing this scholarship in memory of our parents.
The Philp/Byrd family valued love, kindness, respect, excellence, and education. Despite challenges, their determination led them from Kingston to Harlem in the early 1970s, where they thrived and cherished their rich love. Their Jamaican culture remained a guiding force as they adapted to life in the U.S.
This is why we pay it forward and assist the next generation of Jamaican dreamers in achieving their full potential, aiming for excellence, and becoming a beacon of hope for their families and communities.
Applicants must complete an application form, provide an official school transcript, a brief description of their area of study and career goals, and a written essay. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership, clearly defined career goals, demonstrated financial need, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview.
Scholarship awards are designated for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Applications are reviewed by members of the Scholarship Committee, the Board of Directors, and donors of memorial scholarships.
Questions on how to establish a Memorial Scholarship can be directed to info@lynnemitchellfoundation.org.
Questions regarding scholarship application support can be directed to info@lynnemitchellfoundation.org.
To learn more about the Lynne Mitchell Foundation, or to donate to our General Scholarship Fund, visit our website at www.lynnemitchellfoundation.org.
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