I.M.A.G.E Scholarships

The I.M.A.G.E (Imagine Me Achieving Great Expectations) Scholarships are awarded to African-American, African, Caribbean, and Latinx young women who are high school graduates of the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) or participants of Image Initiative, Inc. programming and plan on enrolling in either part-time or full-time study at a college/university, vocational, technical or trade school or certificate program.

Dr. Bridget L. Lawson

Dr. Bridget L. Lawson was a vital member of the Syracuse community. She played an influential role in the lives of many youth through her work with Syracuse University, SCSD, and many other initiatives and organizations. Dr. Lawson was grounded in the beliefs of sisterhood, scholarship, and service to her community. She advocated for people of color through programs that provided academic opportunity services and organizations that would benefit diverse populations.

Dr. Lawson was not only committed to creating academic and career success, diverse and equitable experiences, but she was also committed to social justice activism. She was exemplary of what it means to be in service to one’s community.

The Dr. Bridget L. Lawson I.M.A.G.E (Imagine Me Achieving Great Expectations) Scholarship is awarded to young women of color (African-American, African, Caribbean, and Latinx) who are high school graduates of the Syracuse City School District and plan on enrolling in either part-time or full-time study at a college/university, vocational, technical or trade school or certificate program. In 2021, we awarded scholarships to young women who attended University at Buffalo, SUNY Oswego and University of South Florida studying Business Administration, Biomedical Engineering and Biology.

Josie A. Burgos

This scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Josette “Josie” Burgos— former board member of the Image Initiative, Inc., entrepreneur, and beloved culinary enthusiast. She made a lasting impact on the Syracuse community. She was a longtime employee of Syracuse University, working in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and later becoming a senior administrator for the Community Folk Art Center. She also earned two degrees: a bachelor’s in professional studies and a dual master’s in business administration and finance management.

Josie’s passion for cooking was sparked by her maternal grandmother and continued through her successful catering and food truck business, Elbita’s Cocina, highlighting her Puerto Rican heritage and commitment to community. In 2019, she opened a catering and food truck business, Elbita’s Cocina, named in honor of her grandmother. The popular truck could be found all over Central New York at various events and food truck festivals.

The Josie A. Burgos I.M.A.G.E (Imagine Me Achieving Great Expectations) Scholarship is awarded to African-American, African, Caribbean, and Latinx young women who are high school graduates of the Syracuse City School District (SCSD) and plan on enrolling in either part-time or full-time studies. This scholarship represents young women who illustrate drive, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to cultural awareness in the culinary field. The inaugural scholarship will be presented in the Fall of 2026.

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

African-American, African, Caribbean or Latinx young women
Graduating seniors from the Syracuse City School District or participants of Image Initiative, Inc. programming
2 written letters of recommendation (Academic: Teacher, administrator or school counselor; or Community Member: Clergy/pastor, supervisor, coach, etc.)
High school transcript

Consideration is given to participants of Image Initiative, Inc. programming including the C.H.O.I.C.E.S Experience ®, Sisters Empowering Sisters ® (SES) Annual Conference and B.U.I.L.D Mentoring Collective ℠.

This scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. The scholarship recipient is eligible for a renewable award pending maintenance of good academic standing.

The Dr. Bridget L. Lawson I.M.A.G.E Scholarship has provided scholarships to recipients attending colleges, universities and institutions such as University at Buffalo, University of South Florida, SUNY Oswego, Onondaga Community College, Smith College, Benedict College, SUNY Geneseo, Le Moyne College, Syracuse University and SUNY Brockport.

Please note: Eligibility requirements and criteria for this private scholarship were established by Dr. Lawson’s family and donors in honor of her dedication to her community.

2026 Dr. Bridget L. Lawson Scholarship

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 5, 2026

Apply Now

COMPLETE APPLICATION

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The Dr. Bridget L. Lawson I.M.A.G.E Scholarship helped me in many ways. Since I live on my own, I was able to save money for groceries throughout the semester, as well as do my laundry. Additionally, the scholarship helped pay for my school supplies, such as textbooks and dorm essentials. I also began paying off the student loans I had to take out for college. The scholarship really took a lot of stress off of me and allowed me to focus more on my school work rather than worrying about being able to afford to wash my clothes or get more supplies for school. The scholarship helped me more than I can ever imagine.

D. Hordge

The Dr. Bridget L. Lawson I.M.A.G.E Scholarship helped me in many ways, especially toward my textbooks and groceries for the semester. Not having a meal plan was challenging, but thanks to my scholarship’s extra finances, I could save for groceries each week.

R. Mitchell

I’m a first-year and the Dr. Bridget L. Lawson I.M.A.G.E Scholarship helped me in many ways; most importantly, it assisted with my semester’s textbook rentals. I was also able to start my savings account for emergencies that I may face while in college.

Z. Okyere

I am honored to receive this scholarship. This scholarship means a lot to me, as it has allowed me to further my education in business. It has also helped me financially. I can finally achieve my goal of becoming a professional and owning my very own black business one day. Thank you so much for this opportunity. It means so much.

T. Thomas

I am grateful for this scholarship as it has helped me in many ways. I was able to purchase my books, class, and dorm supplies out of pocket allowing me to have everything I need. Thank you again for considering me for this scholarship and I hope to make you all proud.

S. Sanders

The I.M.A.G.E 2023 fall semester scholarship really helped me out a lot. I was able to purchase a new laptop for school, which was extremely helpful as my previous laptop malfunctioned. My new laptop allowed me to complete coursework on the go and successfully complete my first semester of college.

B. Martin

This past semester, all of my book costs were covered by the I.M.A.G.E scholarship, which gave me the opportunity to be successful in my courses. I ended my first semester of college with a 3.6 GPA, and I am looking forward to starting my classes for my major, which is Special Education with a minor in Urban Studies.

S. McGiveron

The I.M.A.G.E scholarship helped me out during my first semester at Le Monye by assisting with various school supplies, but especially my textbooks for each course.

A. Brown

If you are interested in donating to the scholarship fund, please click here. For further questions regarding the scholarship please contact Semaj Campbell at scampbell@imageinitiative.org.