Seattle Foundation Awards 19 Garfield Students $50K

A Seattle foundation is turning tragedy into opportunity by investing $50,000 in the futures of deserving high school students.

The Desmond Jackson Foundation recognized 19 Garfield High School students this year through scholarships and achievement awards. Founded in 2014 to honor Desmond Jackson, a young man killed in a 2012 shooting, the foundation has spent more than a decade helping African American students reach their college dreams.

Eleven graduating seniors received Desmond Jackson Scholarships to support their college education. Eight underclassmen in grades 9 through 11 earned recognition through the Gracie Williams Award and Desmond Jackson Award for their academic achievement, character, and commitment to excellence.

Erik Burnett, a counselor at Garfield High School, sees the awards as more than financial support. "For the kids, it means being embraced for their hard work and talent, and access to resources that can help them on their path to their future goals," he said.

The foundation addresses two critical transitions in a student's life: developing consistent study habits and navigating the path from high school to college. First-generation college students especially benefit from both the financial assistance and the confidence boost.

The Ripple Effect

Burnett believes recognition creates positive momentum throughout the entire school community. When students see their peers celebrated for academic excellence, it reinforces the values that lead to success.

The underclass awards help students balance hard work with meaningful rewards, making academic achievement feel more attainable. For seniors, the scholarships transform college from an intimidating prospect into a realistic goal.

"Students benefit from smaller, shorter-term recognitions," Burnett explained. "Little checkpoints along the way that let them know we see you, and we value what you are doing."

The awards also help colleges understand just how impressive Garfield students are. By providing concrete recognition of student performance, the foundation creates opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Over three years, the foundation has invested roughly $50,000 in Garfield students who have all the skills and talents to thrive in college. That investment is making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise struggle with the financial burden.

From loss comes legacy, and the Desmond Jackson Foundation proves that communities can transform grief into growth.