FAQs

• Eligibility depends on the specific scholarship: McCormick High School seniors, HBCU students, and descendants of the Lyles or Swanson families are eligible. Please review the specific criteria for each scholarship on our Scholarships page. 

• The McCormick High School Scholarship is nonrenewable, while the HBCU and Family Scholarships are renewable for up to three years or until the recipient graduates from their undergraduate program.

• Recipients must submit a letter of recommendation, an updated resume with one new activity or achievement, an official transcript with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher, and a passion project. 

• No, you can only apply for one of our scholarships.

• Scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, textbooks, and other educational expenses. Note: Scholarships checks are mailed directly to the school, and will NOT be mailed to the scholarship recipient. In addition, scholarship checks will only be mailed to the school in which you were enrolled when you applied. 

• The deadline varies each year. Check the Scholarships page for current deadlines. 

• The mentorship program is invitation-only and available to scholarship recipients. 

• Each mentee is paired with a mentor and meets at least 5 times during the academic year (July-May) through one-on-one group sessions. Topics include goal-setting, school-life balance, and career preparation. 

• Mentors and mentees are required to meet at least 5 times throughout the academic year via Zoom, FaceTime, phone, or in-person (if available).

• Mentors support mentees with goal-setting, academic transitions, study habits, organizational skills, resume building, and reflection. 

• Our mission is to empower Black scholars by providing scholarships and mentorship, fostering their academic and personal success.

• The foundation was created in January 2024 by Mr. Jerome Lyles, Mrs. Regina Lyles, and Ms. Courtney Lyles to support Black scholars and honor the family's legacy.

• Yes! Visit our Donate page to contribute and help fund scholarships and mentorship programs.

• You can reach us via the "Contact Us" page on our website.

• No. Currently, our scholarships are only available for undergraduate, on-campus programs.

• Visit our Apply Now page to download and complete the application form for your respective application. The application form and all required documents must be emailed to the foundation. 

• Signed Application Form

• A typed essay responding to the given prompt

• Official transcript (for HBCU and Family scholarships)

• 2 recommendation letters (recommender must submit form directly to foundation). 

Note: Check each scholarship's specific requirements for details. 

• Selected applicants will be notified via email after the review process is complete. 

• Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can reapply the following year. 

Note: As the McCormick Scholarship is only for McCormick High School graduating seniors, you CANNOT reapply the following year. 

• A passion project is a creative or academic initiative that showcases your growth, interests, or impact. Examples include volunteer work, research, or a creative portfolio. Scholarship recipients who are eligible for renewal will submit their passion project to the foundation via email.