Just as Debra courageously transformed her own life through education, this fund aims to support others in doing the same, fostering a legacy of lifelong learning and personal growth.
Your Support Can Make a Difference
Every contribution to the Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship Fund helps us extend our reach and deepen our impact. With your support, we not only uphold Debra’s legacy but also empower adult learners facing similar challenges. Our goal is to expand our support, ultimately offering four $5,000 scholarships annually to deserving individuals ready to transform their lives through education.
1100+
Applicants in the first year, showcasing the significant demand for adult education.
$20K+
Dollars needed annually to achieve our expanded scholarship goals.
100%
Commitment to using funds to directly support the educational and career aspirations of adult learners.
Let's Make the Vision a Reality
Inspired by the remarkable life and enduring spirit of Debra S. Jackson, this scholarship is dedicated to empowering adult learners who are determined to pursue their educational dreams later in life. Just as Debra courageously transformed her own life through education, this fund aims to support others in doing the same, fostering a legacy of lifelong learning and personal growth.
With the enthusiastic response and deep need demonstrated by over 1,100 applications in our first year, we are more committed than ever to expanding our support. We envision not just financial assistance but a beacon of hope for those who have taken the brave step to return to education. Your support can light up lives, helping us to double the number of scholarships and increase the award amounts, thereby making a significant difference in the lives of our recipients.
Debra S. Jackson: A Legacy of Lifelong Learning
Born in 1954 in Jamaica, New York, Debra S. Jackson's life journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the strength of the human spirit. Her courageous decision to return to college at 40 not only changed her own life but inspired a movement to support adult learners across the nation. Debra was the eldest of six siblings, a role that instilled in her a sense of responsibility and leadership from a young age. She excelled academically and graduated from Park View High School in South Hill, Virginia, setting the stage for her lifelong commitment to learning.
At the age of 40, after a challenging yet fulfilling career in retail with Best Products, Debra made a bold decision to return to college. This choice was not just a personal triumph but a pivotal moment that opened new paths for her, allowing her to significantly enhance her contributions to educational causes, her community, and her church. She obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and later a Master of Business Administration from Averett University in Danville, Virginia. These academic achievements were not just milestones but stepping stones that enabled her to transition into impactful roles at major corporations such as Pennzoil, Wyeth,Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Haleon.
Debra’s professional success was paralleled by her deep spiritual life. In her late 20s, she embraced her faith more deeply, which led her to become a pivotal member of the Glorious Church of God in Christ No. 1 in Richmond, Virginia. Under the mentorship of Pastors Maudell Dillard and Margaret Cooper, Debra grew spiritually and eventually assumed leadership roles within the church. After Pastor Margaret Cooper’s passing in 2017, Debra took on the role of pastor, demonstrating her leadership and dedication to her faith community.
Debra was known for her loving, generous nature, and her commitment to service, often going beyond the call of duty to support her family and community. She was a mentor to many, guiding them with wisdom and compassion, and was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.
Debra S. Jackson's legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and unconditional love. Through the scholarship fund established in her name, her spirit continues to inspire and empower adult learners, encouraging them to pursue their educational goals and to make a positive impact in their communities. Her life story is a powerful reminder that with faith, determination, and education, one can truly make a difference.
"Education is not just about degrees; it's about opening doors to new possibilities and empowering people to make a difference."
- Debra S. Jackson
The Mission of the Scholarship
The mission of The Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship is to support individuals over the age of 40 who are inspired to follow in Debra's footsteps by returning to education. We recognize that returning to school as an adult comes with unique challenges, including balancing family, work, and studies. This scholarship aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with this brave decision, enabling recipients to focus more fully on their educational and career goals. By investing in adult learners, we not only honor Debra's legacy but also contribute to building a community where every dream is valued and every educational ambition is supported.
Our Vision:
A world where age is never a barrier to education, and every adult has the opportunity to pursue their dreams through learning.
Scholarship Details
Currently, the Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship provides two awards annually, each worth $2,500, to individuals over the age of 40 who are returning to school. This scholarship is designed to alleviate financial burdens, allowing recipients to concentrate on achieving their educational and career objectives. Applicants are required to submit an essay reflecting on their life experiences, values, and how they intend to use their education to make a positive community impact. The selection criteria focus on Ambition, Drive, and Impact—qualities that embody the spirit of the scholarship and the legacy of Debra S. Jackson.
How to Support
We invite you to contribute to the Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship Fund and become part of a community that values and supports adult education. Your donations are crucial, as they not only support current scholarship recipients but also help us achieve our goal of doubling the scholarship awards. With your continued support, we aim to increase our scholarship offerings to two $5,000 awards annually, allowing us to assist even more deserving individuals.
Donations to the fund are tax-deductible and go directly towards alleviating the financial burdens faced by adult learners, enabling them to focus on their educational and career aspirations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant difference in the lives of our scholars and helps expand the reach and impact of the fund. For more information on how to donate or get involved, please visit our donation page. Join us in transforming lives through education and expanding the legacy of Debra S. Jackson.
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps build a legacy of lifelong learning.
Impact and Statistics
Since launching the Debra S. Jackson New Horizons Scholarship, we have received an enthusiastic response, with over 1,100 applications from inspiring individuals eager to transform their lives through education. While our first group of scholarship recipients will be announced in August 2024, the interest and diversity of the applicants highlight the deep need and impact potential of this scholarship. These early indicators promise a meaningful change in the lives of adult learners, fulfilling Debra's vision of empowerment through education.
Meet Our Scholars
While our first cohort of recipients will be announced in August 2024, the inspiring stories of our applicants already paint a picture of determination and hope. From single parents balancing work and study to career changers pursuing long-held dreams, each potential scholar embodies the spirit of Debra S. Jackson's legacy.
Daphene
I am a non- traditional , first generation, adult student attending Grand Canyon University. I am a junior majoring in finance and economics. My GPA is 4.0. I will be a first-generation college graduate. I am working full-time and helping support my daughter and three grandchildren. I want to use my education to empower and educate people in my community in the areas of finance, economics, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation. I want to be a mentor and a role model to young people.
James
As a single Father, my son motivates me every single day to reach for my dreams. He sees me as his hero and I do not want to let him down. I decided to go back to school at the age of 40 because I want to model what it looks like to keep dreaming and chasing after what you want. In 2024, our world has shifted into a realm of technology and innovation and I believe pursing a degree in Cyber Security is the perfect intersection. I have always been a quick learner when it comes to computers and want to be apart of a healthier/safer web experience for my son.
Angela
I left a 30 year career in Learning & Development when someone dear to me ended their life. As someone who has tremendous empathy for others, this loss changed me and I decided to pivot into a career of working in the nonprofit sector where compassion runs deep. This is where my purpose lies. I love writing and connecting with others, and am boldly committed to mental health and crisis counseling. I am pursuing my degree in Psychology and am looking forward to doing my part in creating a better world for others.
Annual Scholarship Gala
Each year, we celebrate the legacy of Debra S. Jackson and the achievements of our scholarship recipients at the Annual Scholarship Gala. This event not only raises funds for future scholarships but also serves as a vibrant community gathering to share success stories and inspire continued support for adult education. Details about the gala, including how to attend, sponsor, or volunteer, are available on our website. Join us in making this event a beacon of hope and an opportunity to directly impact the lives of our scholars.
Be a Catalyst for Change
Your support can light the path to education for deserving adult learners. Join us in honoring Debra S. Jackson's legacy and empowering the next generation of lifelong learners.
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