C/JEF Scholarships
Oleta L. Crain memorial Scholarship
Oleta L. Crain is a historical figure as one of the first Black female officers in the United States Air Force. She first attended Langston University, a Historically Black College in Langston, Oklahoma before finishing her college education with a master’s degree from Northwestern University. She had a historic career inspiring women of color throughout her life and she was inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 1988.
In honor of Ms. Oleta Crain, for her years of dedicated and passionate service in supporting young women and minorities, and to honor her desire to provide scholarships for youth, C/JEF established the Oleta L. Crain Memorial Scholarship to be awarded to young women who aspire to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).
This is a $5,000 scholarship award (to be distributed in 4 installments over 4 years). Applications for this scholarship are accepted March 1st-April 30th each year. Criteria established for the scholarship are listed by clicking here.
Frances E. Jefferson memorial Scholarship
Frances E. Jefferson was a native of Denver, Colorado and committed her life to serving the community by helping others through multiple service organizations, through individual volunteer efforts, and through her career as an administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau. She achieved her Bachelor's Degree and a Master of Science in English and Public Administration, respectively.
In recognition of being one of the founders of the Crain/Jefferson Enrichment Foundation (C/JEF) and for her years of dedicated and passionate service in supporting young women and minorities, the Frances E. Jefferson Scholarship was established to continue her legacy of education and service. Minority and disadvantaged youth aspiring to make an impact in their communities through achieving higher education and involvement in service organizations may qualify.
This $3,000 scholarship is a one time award (to be distributed in two installments over 2 semesters). Undergraduate and graduate students may apply. Applications for this scholarship are accepted March 1st-April 30th each year. Interested students shall click her for criteria.
YOung King & YOUng Queen Scholarships
The Young King and Young Queen Scholarships are established to award young men and women who exhibit interest in learning about the need to excel in multiple arenas, as they mature into well-rounded inividuals who can make positive contributions to their surrounding communities. Opportunities to receive these scholarships will be given through attending one of our conferences. All YKC and YQC attendees will be eligible.
AFRICAN scholarship PROGRAMS
The Crain/Jefferson Enrichment Foundation (C/JEF) proudly launched the C/JEF American Sponsors Scholarship Program to support disadvantaged African students who aspire to pursue higher education and make a lasting impact in their communities.
This program currently partners with two outstanding institutions of learning:C/JEF FOR MAAUN (est.2024): Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) — located in Kano, Nigeria, and founded by Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, MAAUN provides a quality education at an affordable cost while sharing C/JEF’s vision of empowering youth through knowledge and service. Funding support for students at MAAUN will cover tuition and fees in their pursuit of a Bachelors degree. Applications for this scholarship are accepted between March 1st and April 30th.
C/JEF FOR GHANA (est.2025): Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) — located in Kumasi, Ghana, where the program was inspired by a commitment the C/JEF President made to local high school students during a 2024 visit. Recognizing the accessibility and value of higher education across Africa, C/JEF expanded its efforts to help students reach their academic and personal goals. Funding support for students attending KsTU will cover tuition, fees and possibly additional expenses if residing on campus, while pursuing a Bachelors degree. Applications for this scholarship are accepted between October 1st and November 30th.
Through these partnerships, C/JEF is working to open doors for promising students who demonstrate determination, integrity, and academic potential. The C/JEF American Sponsors Scholarship gives recipients the opportunity to focus on their education and future success.
A limited number of scholarships are awarded at each university. The number and/or amount of scholarships may depend on available funding. To be considered, applicants must complete the official application and meet all eligibility criteria.
Students interested in applying should [click here] to review eligibility requirements and begin the application process.
This program currently partners with two outstanding institutions of learning:C/JEF FOR MAAUN (est.2024): Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria (MAAUN) — located in Kano, Nigeria, and founded by Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, MAAUN provides a quality education at an affordable cost while sharing C/JEF’s vision of empowering youth through knowledge and service. Funding support for students at MAAUN will cover tuition and fees in their pursuit of a Bachelors degree. Applications for this scholarship are accepted between March 1st and April 30th.
C/JEF FOR GHANA (est.2025): Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) — located in Kumasi, Ghana, where the program was inspired by a commitment the C/JEF President made to local high school students during a 2024 visit. Recognizing the accessibility and value of higher education across Africa, C/JEF expanded its efforts to help students reach their academic and personal goals. Funding support for students attending KsTU will cover tuition, fees and possibly additional expenses if residing on campus, while pursuing a Bachelors degree. Applications for this scholarship are accepted between October 1st and November 30th.
Through these partnerships, C/JEF is working to open doors for promising students who demonstrate determination, integrity, and academic potential. The C/JEF American Sponsors Scholarship gives recipients the opportunity to focus on their education and future success.
A limited number of scholarships are awarded at each university. The number and/or amount of scholarships may depend on available funding. To be considered, applicants must complete the official application and meet all eligibility criteria.
Students interested in applying should [click here] to review eligibility requirements and begin the application process.
C/JEF FOR MAAUN
C/JEF FOR GHANA