Meet Our Scholarship Recipients
We’re proud to share stories of the deserving young men who are part of the Desmond Jackson Foundation legacy.
Robert Ayotte
In 2018, Robert Ayotte received a Desmond Jackson Foundation scholarship to attend Seattle Central College. He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in International Accounting at North Seattle College. His plan is to take the Certified Public Accountant’s (CPA) exam after graduation.
Robert is now a member of the Desmond Jackson Foundation’s Board of Directors and is proud to be helping other young men achieve their dreams of attending college and becoming leaders in our community.
“I was honored to receive the Desmond Jackson scholarship in 2018. During the application process, I committed to living a life of promise. It is this commitment that has motivated me to continue my work hard, live a full life and continue my education. I currently work at the University of Washington as an accountant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department supporting research for those on the cutting edge of technology. I have had the opportunity to travel and been in different countries throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. I am also a senior at North Seattle College less than a year from earning my Bachelors in International Accounting. Throughout all of this I remember Desmond and how his legacy has helped to make it all possible. I hope to give back by serving on the board of the Desmond Jackson Scholarship Foundation to support the success and achievement of the next generation.”
- Robert Ayotte
Brandon Sanchez
”As a recipient of the Desmond Jackson Memorial Scholarship, I wanted to thank you for your generous gift. I grateful to learn that I have been awarded and am appreciative of your support of my education. I am currently in the first year of my bachelor’s degree at Seattle College. I am studying to receive my Bachelors in Applied Behavioral Science. I intend to finish my studies in spring 2025. After finishing my degree, I plan to transfer to Seattle University to pursue my masters in social work. Thanks to you, I am one step closer to reaching my education and career goals. Because of this scholarship, I will be able to focus more on my studies and reduce the number of hours I work per week. Thank you again for your investment in African American male students like me and in our education. By awarding me this scholarship, you are allowing me to focus on the most important aspect of school, learning. I hope that one day I will also be able to help a student achieve their goals, like you’ve helped me. Thank you for making this possible.“
- Brandon Sanchez
Lance Davis
I'm a returning 1st quarter culinary student transferring from the IT program at North Seattle after a year and a half. I have 4 sons and have been married for 6 years now. As of 2020 I was diagnosed with a rare auto immune disease that’s caused me to have FSGS, unfortunately I currently have stage 4 kidney failure and am receiving treatment at the UW. I want to graduate and go on to show my local community that you can cook good healthy food that is locally and sustainably sourced.