scholarships & grants
funded by the community
Because of our generous donors, we at EmpowerU are able to support the multitude of dreams of our young people by offering scholarship programs to Caribbean, first-generation, and minority students. Our scholarships cater towards financing tuition and other academic fees, but we also offer assistance to those that demonstrate deeper financial need.
With limited to no financial opportunities available to Caribbean students, we at EmpowerU hope to bridge this financial gap. For many, the large cost of a college education demotivates many young people from continuing their education.
We hope that through our scholarship program, we can reduce the barrier to entry for many minority groups and help empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and disrupters.
who our scholarships support
students · community leaders · fearless disrupters · passionate creatives · dreamers
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the opportunity fund
Funding people. Strengthening community.
Sustaining a legacy.
beyond empoweru
In remembrance of our late founder Erika Cannegieter-Smith, the Be The Change Foundation is offering scholarship awards to eligible residents of St. Maarten /Martin. The amount of the grants and number of awards are set by the Board of Directors based on the annual donations.
Study financing loans are granted to eligble Sint Maarten citzens selecting to study programs listed on the annual study priority list. Application is required. Note: students with above average acedmic scores are exempt from selecting a degree solely based on the priority list.
An initiative by the St. Maarten Development Fund designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people, equipping youth aged 18-30 with skills, experience, and confidence through volunteering abroad, local community projects, and career-focused experiences. Runs on programs like the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+, covering everything from funded local community projects to international volunteering placements.
Student financial aid provided on behalf of the US Department of Education for eligible American citizens and permanent residents. FAFSA funds include grants, loans, and work-study.
Student financial aid provided on behalf of the Dutch Department of Education for eligible Dutch citizens. Students moving from Sint Maarten to the Netherlands will need to register within the Kingdom prior to applying for DUO.
Additional Resources
Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Program