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.

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 and her husband, Walwyn Jackson, 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.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Latinx, African-American, African or Caribbean descended young women
• Graduating seniors from the Syracuse City School District
• Enrolled in or have completed a recognized culinary arts program in high school (e.g., a technical/vocational culinary track).
• Actively running their own culinary-related business (catering, baking, food truck, pop-up events, etc.).
• Planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution focusing on Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Business Management, or a related field.
• 1-2 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 programming including the C.H.O.I.C.E.S Experience, Sisters Empowering Sisters (SES) Conference and B.U.I.L.D Mentoring Collective.

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