Empowering Youth.
Building Legacies.
The YKrystine Foundation proudly announces the launch of two new scholarships designed to support African American students pursuing higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Changing Futures.
OUR SCHOLARSHIPS
MONARCH MILESTONE SCHOLARSHIP
$2500 AWARD
For African American neurodivergent students pursuing continued education through an HBCU degree program or life skills and transition program in Fall 2026.
The Monarch Milestone Scholarship was created in honor of Dr. Wanda Lenore Gadsden (Retired), Executive Director of Special Services, Principal, and Speech-Language Pathologist whose career in special education spans Dorchester School District Two, Montgomery County Schools, and the Connecticut Department of Special Education.
The Monarch Milestone Scholarship recognizes that success, intelligence, and growth are not defined by traditional standards alone. The scholarship celebrates perseverance, individuality, resilience, personal growth, and the courage to continue pursuing educational opportunities despite challenges.
The scholarship was established to ensure students with diverse learning needs feel valued, supported, celebrated, and empowered to pursue their future goals.
IMPORTANT DATES
APPLICATIONS OPEN
MAY 15, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE
JUNE 30, 2026
AWARD NOTIFICATION
JULY 15, 2026
CAPTAIN ANTOINE mARVIN LEWIS LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
$2500 AWARD
For African American male high school seniors in the Chicagoland area attending an HBCU in Fall 2026.
The Captain Antoine Marvin Lewis Legacy Scholarship was established in honor of Army Captain Antoine Marvin Lewis of Chicago, Illinois.
The scholarship reflects Antoine’s passion for leadership, service, mentorship, and giving back to his community.
The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate resilience, leadership potential, educational commitment, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
IMPORTANT DATES
APPLICATIONS OPEN
MAY 10, 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE
JUNE 10, 2026
AWARD NOTIFICATION
JULY 10, 2026
Meet Our Founder:
Yalena Lopez-Lewis
The YKrystine Foundation was created from a deeply personal place of service, legacy, resilience, and purpose.
As a military leader, mentor, mother, and community advocate, I have always believed that true success is measured not only by what we accomplish for ourselves but by the opportunities we create for others. Throughout my life and career, I have been passionate about mentoring youth, supporting their educational growth, and helping them recognize the greatness within themselves, especially students who may not always receive the support, visibility, or opportunities they deserve.
The foundation represents the intersection of everything that matters most to me: service, education, leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and legacy-building.
Inspired by my personal experiences, my commitment to youth mentorship, and the influence of strong leaders and educators in my life, I created this foundation to open doors, create opportunities, and invest in future generations.
This foundation is more than an organization. It is a commitment to ensuring students feel seen, supported, empowered, and encouraged to pursue their goals regardless of the obstacles they may face.
I believe every student deserves access to opportunity, guidance, and support. The YKrystine Foundation exists to help make that possible through intentional service, educational investment, and community impact.
ABOUT THE YKRYSTINE FOUNDATION
our Mission
The YKrystine Foundation empowers and invests in the future of youth through educational scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, and community-based initiatives.
The foundation is committed to creating equitable opportunities for underserved students, with a focus on supporting African American students, HBCU-bound scholars, and neurodivergent learners as they pursue higher education and personal growth.
Through intentional giving, advocacy, and support, the YKrystine Foundation seeks to celebrate individual potential, foster resilience, and help develop future leaders who will positively impact their communities.
our Vision
The YKrystine Foundation was established with the vision of creating lasting impact through education, mentorship, and opportunity. We believe that investing in students today creates stronger leaders, families, and communities tomorrow.
Our commitment is rooted in service, equity, and the belief that every student’s journey deserves to be valued and supported.
For questions, contact us at scholarships@YKrystinefoundation.org