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A Family Legacy of Empowering Black Scholars
A Family Legacy of Empowering Black Scholars
How It All Began: Born From a Family's Passion
How It All Began: Born From a Family's Passion
The Lyles Swanson Empower Merit Scholarship & Mentoring Program Inc., was established in January 2024 during a heartfelt conversation among Captain (Retired) Jerome Lyles, Mrs. Regina Lyles, and Ms. Courtney Lyles–a father, mother, and daughter trio. Together, they envisioned a way to support Black scholars pursuing higher education and create a lasting impact on students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The Lyles Swanson Empower Merit Scholarship & Mentoring Program Inc., was established in January 2024 during a heartfelt conversation among Captain (Retired) Jerome Lyles, Mrs. Regina Lyles, and Ms. Courtney Lyles–a father, mother, and daughter trio. Together, they envisioned a way to support Black scholars pursuing higher education and create a lasting impact on students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Mr. Jerome Lyles and Ms. Courtney Lyles, both educators, brought their deep understanding of the importance of education to this mission. With all three founders being proud HBCU alumni–Mr. Jerome Lyles and Mrs. Regina Lyles having attended Fayetteville State University (with Mrs. Regina Lyles earning her degree), and Ms. Courtney Lyles graduating from Spelman College–their shared experiences at HBCUs became the foundation's driving inspiration.
Mr. Jerome Lyles and Ms. Courtney Lyles, both educators, brought their deep understanding of the importance of education to this mission. With all three founders being proud HBCU alumni–Mr. Jerome Lyles and Mrs. Regina Lyles having attended Fayetteville State University (with Mrs. Regina Lyles earning her degree), and Ms. Courtney Lyles graduating from Spelman College–their shared experiences at HBCUs became the foundation's driving inspiration.
A Commitment to Family and Community
A Commitment to Family and Community
The foundation also seeks to uplift members of the Lyles and Swanson families, extending its support to their descendants. This reflects the family's belief in empowering not just their community but their own legacy as well.
The foundation also seeks to uplift members of the Lyles and Swanson families, extending its support to their descendants. This reflects the family's belief in empowering not just their community but their own legacy as well.
Ms. Courtney Lyles' time teaching at McCormick High School shaped another key aspect of the foundation's mission. During her four years at the school, she developed a deep connection to the students and the community. This inspired the creation of scholarships specifically for McCormick High School graduating seniors, helping them achieve their dreams of attending and graduating from college.
Ms. Courtney Lyles' time teaching at McCormick High School shaped another key aspect of the foundation's mission. During her four years at the school, she developed a deep connection to the students and the community. This inspired the creation of scholarships specifically for McCormick High School graduating seniors, helping them achieve their dreams of attending and graduating from college.
Making a Difference, One Scholar at a Time
Making a Difference, One Scholar at a Time
Though the foundation has only been in operation for a year, it has already surpassed its initial goals. In May 2024, the Lyles Swanson Empower Foundation proudly awarded scholarships to eight deserving scholars. This milestone demonstrates the dedication of the founders and the unwavering support of their community.
Though the foundation has only been in operation for a year, it has already surpassed its initial goals. In May 2024, the Lyles Swanson Empower Foundation proudly awarded scholarships to eight deserving scholars. This milestone demonstrates the dedication of the founders and the unwavering support of their community.
Looking ahead, the foundation remains committed to providing scholarships and mentorship to scholars from McCormick High School, descendants of the Lyles and Swanson families, and HBCU students. With every scholarship awarded, the foundation fulfills its mission of creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
Looking ahead, the foundation remains committed to providing scholarships and mentorship to scholars from McCormick High School, descendants of the Lyles and Swanson families, and HBCU students. With every scholarship awarded, the foundation fulfills its mission of creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
Join Us
Join Us
Join us in continuing this journey of empowerment. Whether you're a student seeking support, a donor ready to make a difference, or someone inspired by our story, we invite you to be part of the Lyles Swanson Empower Foundation family.
Join us in continuing this journey of empowerment. Whether you're a student seeking support, a donor ready to make a difference, or someone inspired by our story, we invite you to be part of the Lyles Swanson Empower Foundation family.
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