Jerome Burke Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Jerome Burke Foundation

Description

**Purpose and scope**
The Jerome Burke Foundation awards scholarships and provides mentorship to support the higher-education aspirations of young African American men. The program pairs financial assistance with a mentor for the recipient’s freshman year of college or trade school to improve persistence and transition to postsecondary education. Scholarships are intended for use at accredited colleges, universities, or trade programs and are awarded annually to eligible high school seniors from Illinois.

Key takeaways
- Mission: support higher education for young African American men
- Combines scholarship funding with a freshman-year mentor
- Funds usable at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools

History of the Award

**Origins and legacy**
The scholarship program was established in memory of Jerome Burke—who, though never a father, invested time and care in many young people’s lives as a son, brother, uncle, and mentor. The Foundation honors his commitment to mentorship and opportunity by encouraging educational advancement among African American male students. The award reflects Burke’s personal legacy of guidance and support.

Key takeaways
- Created to honor Jerome Burke’s commitment to youth mentorship
- Founded to continue his legacy through education support
- Emphasizes mentoring as part of the award’s mission

Eligibility

**Who can apply**
Applicants must be African American male seniors enrolled in an Illinois high school at the time of application. Candidates must meet a minimum cumulative GPA requirement and either have completed or agree to complete a modest community service commitment. Recipients must also be able to attend the Foundation’s annual gala as a condition of eligibility.

Key takeaways
- Open to African American male high school seniors in Illinois
- Minimum GPA requirement: 2.5
- Community service: 10 hours completed or agreed-to
- Must be available to attend the Foundation’s annual gala

Award Value

**Scholarship amount and permitted use**
The Foundation awards a $1,000 scholarship to each selected recipient. The grant is intended to help cover tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses at accredited colleges, universities, or trade schools. Payment is provided to support the student’s transition into postsecondary education.

Key takeaways
- Award amount: $1,000 per recipient
- Usable for tuition, fees, books, or other education-related costs
- Valid at accredited colleges, universities, and trade schools

Application Timeline

**Important dates**
Applicants must submit materials by the program’s annual application deadline to be considered. The application deadline is October 15. Scholarship recipients and nominees are expected to attend the Foundation’s Annual Gala, held on the Second Saturday in December (exact date announced each year).

Key takeaways
- Application deadline: October 15 annually
- Annual Gala: Second Saturday in December (date TBA)
- Applicants must be enrolled as seniors at the time of application

Mentoring and Post-award Support

**Freshman-year mentoring**
In addition to financial support, the Foundation provides each recipient with a mentor for their freshman year of college or trade school. The mentoring component aims to improve academic adjustment, offer guidance on campus resources, and reinforce long-term educational goals. This support is a core element of the award and complements the scholarship funding.

Key takeaways
- Each recipient receives a mentor for the freshman year
- Mentoring focuses on transition, resources, and goal-setting
- Mentorship is provided in addition to the monetary award