Scholarships
Congratulations to our Graham Powell Education Foundation Scholarship (GPEFS) RecipientS!
Three 2024 Graduating Seniors Awarded $1000 Scholarships Each
During the recent 39th Graham-Powell Family Reunion; the Graham-Powell Family Educational Foundation, Inc presented $1,000.00 scholarships to three graduates from the New Hanover County – Pender County area. Continuing the life-long dream of the Late Dr. Irene Van Travis, the Foundation supports high school graduates that are pursuing higher education.
This year the foundation presented its second round general scholarships. The recipients are Christopher Wallace and Xitlalli Gomez, both pictured with James D. Smith, representing the Graham-Powell Family Educational Foundation. The third recipient was Kennedy Harris, far right.
Congratulations again to each of our 3 scholars and we wish them great success this year!
Scholarships
Graham Powell Education Foundation Scholarship (GPEFS)
Four 2023 Graduating Seniors Awarded $1000 Scholarships Each
During the recent 38th Graham-Powell Family Reunion; the Graham-Powell Family Educational Foundation, Inc presented $1,000.00 scholarships to four graduates from the New Hanover County – Pender County area. In June of 2021; the Late Dr. Irene Van Travis requested her nieces and nephews to complete her life-long dream of establishing a foundation to support high school graduates that were pursuing higher education. The foundation was established and granted its 501(c)(3) accreditation in January 2022. Since that time, the foundation has supported the Dr. Irene Van Travis Endowed Scholarship at Elizabeth City State University. This scholarship supports students from southeastern North Carolina majoring in Special Education.
This year the foundation presented the first general scholarships. The recipients are Breanna Storms (Pender Early College), Shane Johnson (Topsail High School); Latesha Walker (New Hanover High School), and Naiya Graham (Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington). LateshaWalker and Naiya Graham are pictured with James D. Smith, representing the Graham-Powell Family Educational Foundation.
Congratulations again to each of our 4 scholars!
Scholarships
Graham Powell Education Foundation Scholarship (GPEFS)
We offer scholarships to minorities looking to further their education through trade school, college or post-secondary education. This scholarship is awarded annually and interested persons can look for applications around December-January. Please join our mailing list to get more information regarding scholarship application dates and deadlines.
Elizabeth City State University Special Education Scholarship
The Elizabeth City Scholarship is awarded through the university. For more information on applying, please reach out to the university. The Dr. Irene Van Travis Scholarship is awarded to a student currently awarded at ECSU only. Please contact ECSU directly or contact GPEF through our contact form.
The Passionate Pursuit
of Purposeful Education
Irene Van Travis had a dream.
Before Irene Van Travis passed away in June 2022, she was able to see her life-long dream come to fruition: an educational scholarship for young people to further their post-secondary pursuits. Today, her family carries on her legacy and passion for fueling education in our society.
our vision
A society with young people enthusiastically embracing education.
our mission
To bring forth Irene’s vision by encouraging and supporting high school graduates to further and complete their educational and life goals.
about us
The Graham Powell Educational Foundation was founded in 2021 at the request of Dr. Irene Van Travis, a lifelong student, educator and lover of all things Family. To see her dream come to fruition at age 96, she enlisted the help of her family, including her nephew James D. Smith. Today, her family, which largely composes the Board of Directors, work to carry out her vision of providing scholarships to students in North Carolina who have a passion and purposeful pursuit of furthering their education.
Dr. Irene Van Travis
Dr. Irene Graham Van Travis was born on April 19, 1925 in the Harrison Creek Community of Pender County, North Carolina. She was the seventh child born to Robert and Julia Graham. She would often tell of the love and respect that was evident in their home with their “understanding” parents, her wonderful sisters (Laura Alice, Annie Mae, and Jessie Bell), and her handsome brothers (Ashley, Norman, and Harlee).
Irene writes, “We were blessed to be taught to love God and mankind, strive to get the best education possible, and work hard to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.”
‘WE WERE BLESSED TO BE TAUGHT TO LOVE GOD AND MANKIND, STRIVE TO GET THE BEST EDUCATION POSSIBLE..’
education
why importance
Challenges
We all face unique challenges and today's high school graduates are no exception. The cost of trade schools and tuition have even made post secondary education out of reach for so many.
Our goal is to help students overcome this obstacle with our scholarship and helping them to attain access to other opportunities that will help make college or trade school possible.
What We Do
Student Assistance
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
Coming Soon.
How You Can help
Make a donation
Donations by check can be sent to PO Box 183, Apex, NC 27502
Volunteer
We are constantly looking for supporters to help us attain our fundraising goals! If you'd like to help or feel that there are other ways to support our initiatives, please feel free to contact us on our contact form.
Partnerships
Interested in partnering with us? We're always looking to forge lasting relationships. Please reach out to James Smith regarding partnership opportunities and requests.
