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 Image Initiative, Inc. in partnership with Steppin’ with Style is proud to announce the Dr. Bridget L. Lawson I.M.A.G.E. (Imagine Me Achieving Great Expectations) Scholarship awarded to young women of color (African-American, African, Caribbean, and Latinx). This scholarship is given to high school graduates of the Syracuse City School District who plan on enrolling in either part-time or full-time study at a college/university, vocational, technical or trade school or certificate program. Special consideration shall be given to participants of Image Initiative programming (C.H.O.I.C.E.S Experience, Sisters Empowering Sisters (SES) Annual Conference and or B.U.I.L.D. Mentoring Collective). The scholarship recipient is eligible for a renewable award pending maintenance of good academic standing.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Young women of color identified as either African-American, African, Caribbean, or Latinx
• Senior graduating from the Syracuse City School District
• 1-2 written letters of recommendation, Academic (either from a teacher, administrator
  or school counselor) or Community Member (ie: clergy/pastor, supervisor, coach, etc.)
• Proof of Enrollment
• Transcript

This scholarship is awarded on an annual basis. Please note that the 2022 scholarship application cycle is now open and can be accessed at the following link: (bit.ly/ImageScholarship).  This year’s scholarship recipient will be announced at the 2022 Sisters Empowering Sisters Annual Conference.

For further information, please contact Semaj Campbell at scampbell@imageinitiative.org