Our Mission

The mission of the School of Bee Scholarship Foundation is to empower students to pursue higher education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing equitable scholarship opportunities that help cultivate the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. This mission is deeply rooted in the lived experience of our founder, Bee Sykes, whose own journey to attending an HBCU was shaped by financial hardship and limited access to resources.

Growing up, Bee was determined to attend an HBCU, inspired by their rich history of fostering Black excellence and leadership. However, like many students, she faced significant financial barriers and had to juggle multiple jobs and take on student loans to make her dream a reality. Additionally, she struggled with a lack of access to information about scholarships tailored to Black students, which could have eased her financial burden and opened more doors of opportunity. Fueled by these challenges, Bee developed a deep passion for advancing equity and creating pathways for Black students to achieve their educational aspirations without the overwhelming burden of financial stress.

Building on this foundation, the School of Bee Scholarship Foundation is committed to addressing systemic inequities in education by awarding impactful scholarships, promoting the significance of HBCUs, and fostering mentorship connections between students and Black professionals. By reducing financial barriers and providing access to essential resources, the Foundation ensures that deserving students can thrive academically, build cultural pride, and step into leadership roles that drive progress in their communities and beyond. This mission is about creating a legacy of opportunity, empowerment, and excellence for generations to come.