The Alphanso Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (ASF) is a Florida‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening families in rural Jamaican communities. Founded in 2018 and incorporated in 2020, ASF was created to bridge the achievement gap for children facing systemic barriers to quality education, social‑emotional development, and long‑term academic success.
Rooted in principles of primary prevention from the Community Health field, ASF believes that education, early intervention, and community engagement are powerful tools for breaking cycles of generational hardship. Our programs are designed to uplift students, empower families, and strengthen the communities we serve.

Our Work
ASF’s mission comes to life through three core areas. These efforts strengthen community engagement and create shared spaces for students, families, and neighbors to learn and grow together:

  1. Education & Literacy Development
    Our flagship initiative, the Alphanso Summer Literacy Camp, is an eight‑week enrichment program that strengthens reading, writing, and social‑emotional learning (SEL) skills for students preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP).
    • Students receive individualized SMART goals based on pre‑camp assessments
    • Differentiated instruction supports diverse learning needs
    • All meals, materials, and resources are provided at no cost to families
  2. Scholarships & Student Advancement
    To ease the financial burden of transitioning into secondary school, ASF awards need‑based academic scholarships to students who have participated in the Literacy Camp. These scholarships help cover uniforms, books, fees, and other essential costs that often prevent low‑income families from continuing their child’s education.
  3. Family & Community Support
    ASF recognizes that children thrive when families and communities thrive. We provide:
    • One‑time emergency assistance for households facing urgent challenges related to food insecurity, health, or employment
    • Community outreach initiatives, including back‑to‑school drives, community gardens, and wellness‑focused partnerships.

Why Our Work Matters

Children in rural Jamaica – especially those living at or below the poverty line – face heightened risks of educational delays, limited access to resources, and reduced opportunities for social‑emotional development. These challenges are often multigenerational and closely tied to inequitable access to quality education.

ASF was founded with a deep awareness of these realities. We believe that education is the most effective form of primary prevention, especially in a time marked by rising living costs, increased violence, and persistent barriers to higher education. By investing early and consistently in students and families, ASF helps create pathways to resilience, empowerment, and long‑term opportunity.