Our History
The Onward and Upward Empowerment Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization which operates on the pillars of education, community, and benevolence. Our commitment to our community and other parts of the Dallas area is to enhance citizens’ economic, social, and political awareness.
Focus
The foundation’s primary focus is providing scholarships for academic excellence, and monetary assistance to students dealing with financial needs . To date, the foundation and chapter has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships.
We presented the Mark Saunders Education Scholarship in the amount of $500 to Mr. Eliott Ford II, a graduate of Florida A&M University.
2024 Kenn manous scholarship recipients
PAST Kenn manous scholarship recipients
Scholarship check presented to the Carrollton Colts youth football team.
There are four major campaigns that our organization is involved in:
- The Annual Kenn Manous Alpha Honors Scholarship Gala.
The purpose of the gala is to recognize our annual high school scholarship recipients as well as pay respect to pillars of the community. We have given over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan over the years and provided a platform for community leaders to espouse upon their service in leadership during the gala.
Our goal this year is to increase our scholarship awards and awardees as well as to grow our funding to support our other community initiatives which focus on mentoring and educating our youth.
For more information please contact us at: pnlscholarship@gmail.com
- Alpha Scholars mentoring program.
Through this effect we engage with youth minority males between the ages of 12 and 18 with the intent of creating a greater understanding of what is required to be successful in today’s world.
Some of our programs include driving safety, higher education, budgeting, etiquette, social justice, voting and sexual safety. Lesson are organized on modules and presented to the students with discussion.
Alpha Scholars has developed a partnership with The Sober Youth Inc. / Texas Knight Organization and a sponsorship with the Carrolton Colts team. For more information please visit: http://www.rhonulambda1906.org or pnlscholars@gmail.com
- Partnership with Karen’s Hands and Panera Bread.
Karen’s Hands is a 501C3 organization that we partner with to provide assistance to families in need. Our organization picks up week donations for Panera Bread and delivers to the Karen’s Hands organization to assist with their week feeding of the homeless. Financial support is also provided to assist with the purchasing of supplies and product. For more information please visit: https://karenhandsministry.org/volunteer
- The Mark Saunders Scholarship.
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide assistance for college students that may be experiencing challenges during their current semester. This scholarship is intended for student who are originally from the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Student may also apply if there are currently attending college in the area. A short application is required to apply for this scholarship. Interested students can request and application at: OUEmpowerment@gmail.com or can be uploaded in the Downloads Section below on this page.
Photo gallery
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