Jefferson Dollars for Scholars

In Jefferson Parish, we know that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. At Jefferson Dollars for Scholars, we’re changing that.

We believe that nurturing a child’s curiosity in the third grade is just as vital as funding their college tuition ten years later. By uniting our families, our schools, and our local businesses, we’re creating a circle of support that catches students before they fall through the cracks. Your donation doesn't just "support a mission"—it changes a life story.

For over 30 years, we have paved the way for students in Jefferson Parish Schools. Our mission is simple but life-changing: we support academically and financially deserving students in Jefferson Parish Schools by providing pathways to educational advancement. We don't just hope for their success; we invest in it through a "K-16" approach—supporting them from kindergarten through college graduation.

What does that investment look like in action?

• Early Inspiration: Summer enrichment camp opportunities for K-8th grade students to spark a lifelong love of learning.

• The Competitive Edge: National Merit test preparation courses to level the playing field for high-achieving students.

• The Finish Line: Four-year college scholarships that turn the dream of higher education into a reality.

• The Essentials: Providing laptops for our scholarship recipients, ensuring they have the tools to compete and thrive from day one on campus.

We advocate for the idea that nurturing early curiosity lays the groundwork for post-secondary completion. By engaging our entire community—from the school system to the local business leaders—we collectively provide the equitable opportunities every student deserves.

Supporting the dream of higher education means more than just a degree. It means changing lives, building a stronger Jefferson Parish community, and uplifting our entire society.

Help us empower the next generation of Jefferson Parish leaders. Join the mission today.

Testimonials

“Jefferson Dollars for Scholars opens doors for our students, helping them achieve more than they ever imagined,” adds Dr. Ajit Pethe, Jefferson Parish Schools Chief of Schools.

“Thanks to Jefferson Dollars for Scholars National Merit Test prep classes last fall, six Thomas Jefferson Academy students are now National Merit Semifinalists,” says Thomas Jefferson Academy Principal Erika Russell. “This achievement shows what’s possible when our community invests in young people.”

"With your support, I've been exploring amazing opportunities I didn't even know existed in high school,” says Summer Huynh. “It's so exciting and amazing to be in a place where I'm constantly learning something new every single day.” - Summer Huynh, Tulane University student

“I am grateful for Jefferson Dollars for Scholars supporting me early in my academic journey. The scholarship reminded me that others believed in me before I fully believed in myself.”- Jenan Ghannam, University of New Orleans summa cum laude graduate with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry

"I am thankful for the Jefferson Dollars for Scholars and their financial support, which helped enable me to finish a biological engineering degree at LSU in three years with a 4.236 GPA as a University Medalist." - Diensn Xin, medical school student

"The scholarship from Jefferson Dollars for Scholars allowed me to focus more on my academics and worry less about paying bills while I was in school," says Shay Bayer, a recent LSU graduate.

Julia Duong, LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry with a B.S. in dental hygiene and a 3.8 GPA, is grateful for the financial stability that her Jefferson Dollars for Scholars scholarship provided. “It’s exciting to be a part of this wonderful organization.”

“The Jefferson Dollars for Scholars scholarship allowed me to pay more of my tuition even before the stress of classes started.” - Chloe Babin, Loyola University student