Scholarships
Scholarships
Our Exclusive Scholarship
Opportunities
Tonya James-Gordon Educational Scholarship
Tonya James-Gordon Educational Scholarship
Ms. James-Gordon was a Contributor to the foundation up until the time of her death.
Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation Scholarship
Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation Scholarship
In recognition of her services to the Dade County Public Schools as an educator, The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Educational Scholarship was established in 2005.
Carla Hairston Communicate Well Scholarship
Carla Hairston Communicate Well Scholarship
In recognition of her services to supporting learning through authentic communication, the Carla Hairston Communicate Well Scholarship was established in 2024.
Joshua James Memorial Photography Scholarship
Joshua James Memorial Photography Scholarship
In loving memory of Joshua James, a dedicated photography teacher who inspired countless students, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the Joshua James Memorial Photography Scholarship.
At this time our scholarship is closed. Please let us know if you are interested in reading the essays. We would like to award the scholarship at the end of August, for more info email us at: programs@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
In recognition of her services of helping others, the Tonya James-Gordon Scholarship has been established.
Tonya James-Gordon Educational Scholarship (California)
Ms. James-Gordon was a Contributor to the foundation up until the time of her death. The Foundation decided to honor her by establishing a scholarship in her honor, for students in the Compton, California School District. Each year one boy and girl will be awarded the scholarship.
The $250.00 award will be given this year to one high school senior from the Compton area. The Senior must meet the following criteria:
- A cumulative 2.5 or above grade point average.
- Have been accepted by a junior college or four-year university.
- Must attend one of the high schools in the Compton School District.
- Consideration is given to schools in Los Angeles County.
In addition to the above criteria, the applicant must submit the following forms:
- Application Form
- An attached letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- A copy of his/her transcript.
- Proof of college enrollment.
- A 500-800 word essay not to exceed two pages doubled space typed on one of the following topics:
- Write about one of your passions and how you believe pursuing this passion will make you a better person.
- How can pursuing a specific area of study in college help you make positive contributions to your community and/or the world?
- Write about an experience that changed your life for the better.
- Write about an experience in which you changed another person’s life for the better.
Entry Deadline: Received By: Monday, June 2, 2025.
For More Info: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
Scholarship: $250
Register Now
At this time our scholarship is closed. Please let us know if you are interested in reading the essays. We would like to award the scholarship at the end of August, for more info email us at: programs@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
In recognition of her services to the Dade County Public Schools as an educator, The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Educational Scholarship was established in 2005.
Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation Scholarship (Florida)
Dr. Harkins was a life-long educator of the Dade County Public Schools who believed in the power of teaching all children. Dr. Harkins felt that there wasn’t enough caring and concern for the students in the schools. This predicament moved her to instigate change. By becoming a teacher, coordinator and an administrator, Dr. Harkins strived for not only the betterment of the conditions in schools, but for the betterment of the students as well.
The $250.00 award will be given this year to one high school senior from the South Dade, area. The Senior must meet the following criteria:
- A cumulative 2.5 or above grade point average.
- Have been accepted by a junior college or four-year university.
- Must attend high school in Miami, Florida, (preference giving to schools in the South Dade Area).
In addition to the above criteria, the applicant must submit the following forms:
- Application Form
- An attached letter of recommendation from a teacher.
- A copy of his/her transcript.
- Proof of college enrollment.
- A 500-800 word essay not to exceed two pages (double-spaced, typed) on one of the following topics:
a) Write about one of your passions and how you believe pursuing this passion will make you a better person.
b) How can pursuing a specific area of study in college help you make positive contributions to your community and/or the world?
c) Write about an experience that changed your life for the better.
d) Write about an experience in which you changed another person’s life for the better.
Entry Deadline: Received By: Monday, June 2, 2025.
For More Info: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
Scholarship: $250
Register Now
At this time our scholarship is closed. Please let us know if you are interested in reading the essays. We would like to award the scholarship at the end of August, for more info email us at: programs@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
Carla Hairston Communicate Well Scholarship 2025-2026
In recognition of her services to supporting learning through authentic communication, the Carla Hairston Communicate Well Scholarship was established in 2024.
This scholarship was created by Rev. Carla Hairston in recognition of her appreciation for Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins’ legacy and as an advocate for lifelong learning. She believes that communicating well with others is an act of the heart, and that the world would be a better place if we made more efforts to connect with people through effective, others-focused communication. This is a skill that is needed in every area of life. If you agree, you are eligible to apply! These funds are to support a student living anywhere in the U.S. pursuing any major, undergraduate or graduate school.
The $500.00 award will be given this year to a minimum of two students: high school graduates entering college or college students entering graduate school. The student must meet the following criteria:
- A cumulative 2.5 or above grade point average.
- Must be enrolled at a junior college or four-year university as a part time or full time student.
In addition to the above criteria, the applicant must submit the following forms:
- Application form
- A copy of his/her transcript
- Proof of college enrollment
- A 250-300 word essay (typed, double spaced) onthe following topic:
“Explain the benefits of communicating effectively with others and how you plan to work to improve your communication skills in your educational pursuits.”
This scholarship is renewable, at a reward amount of $250. To reapply, the applicant must submit the above forms and either an essay or a short video (no longer than 2:00) on the following topic:
“Share an update on how your attempts at communicating effectively with others went over the past year, and a few highlights of the school year.”
Entry must be received by Monday, June 30, 2025 (this is not a postmarked deadline).
Send entries to:
Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation
3680 Wilshire Blvd
Ste P04 – 1516
Los Angeles, CA 90010
For More Info: info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
Scholarship: $500
Register Now
In loving memory of Joshua James, a dedicated photography teacher who inspired countless students, we are pleased to announce the establishment of the Joshua James Memorial Photography Scholarship.
The Joshua James Memorial Photography Scholarship
This scholarship honors Joshua James’s passion for photography and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers. Applications are now being accepted. Let’s keep Joshua James’s spirit alive by supporting aspiring photographers. Apply today and share your vision!
This annual scholarship supports aspiring photographers by providing a deserving senior high school student or college student (Freshman to Senior) majoring in Photography with a DSLR camera, lens, and bag to fuel their artistic endeavors.
Eligibility:
- Must be a High School Senior College: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior Majoring in Photography
- Award: Each Recipient will receive a Digital Camera Package including(Camera, Lens, Bag, and Tripod)
Deadline:
- Deadline is Tuesday, June 2, 2026
If you have questions, you can call the Foundation at:(310) 226-8441 or e-mail us info@barbaraseniorsharkinsfoundation.org
