Yo Scholarship Foundation

The YO Scholarship Foundation was established in 2018 by a diverse group of individuals who encountered various obstacles when transitioning to university. We understand that high school often falls short in fully preparing students for the shift to two- or four-year institutions. This transition can affect students physically, emotionally, and mentally, with both positive and negative outcomes. Often, students must navigate these challenges on their own, and not everyone succeeds; many of our peers had to leave school due to various reasons and were unable to return. While 88% of Black students complete high school, there remains a significant gap in higher education attainment; only 26.1% of Black students earn a bachelor’s degree by the age of 25, which is 11 percentage points lower than their White counterparts. We believe in the manifold benefits of higher education, which extend to economic advantages, social enrichment, better health outcomes, and personal development. Recognizing these benefits, our foundation is committed to supporting students in overcoming barriers and achieving their educational goals.