Victor Quann Jackson Scholarship

The Victor Quann Jackson Memorial Scholarship supports first-generation college students who have faced adversity but remain determined to pursue their dreams. 

The award honors the legacy of Victor Quann Jackson (Quann), an educator and first-generation college graduate who overcame significant life challenges. Born in New York and raised in foster homes, Quann’s journey to success was anything but easy. After dropping out of high school to work, he took night classes to earn his GED, later earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Chicago State University. Despite facing childhood and health challenges later in life, Quann never let them hinder his pursuit of his goals or his ability to live life unapologetically.

For more than two decades, Quann taught within the Chicago Public Schools system, instilling not only knowledge in his students but also a belief in determination and self-confidence, encouraging them to persevere through adversity and strive for greater heights in life.

 Applications open on January 1, 2026, and close on April 1. The award amount is up to $1,000 annually. In addition to the eligibility requirements of supporting undergraduate college students (under age 21) and being a U.S. citizen, applicants are required to submit a 200-300-word essay describing a time in their life when they demonstrated resilience or confidence. They are to share what happened, the resilient qualities shown, what they learned, and how this experience will help them move forward in life.

Scholarship Disbursement Requirement:

Before funds are disbursed to those selected as awardees, the applicant is required to submit a short selfie video (30 to 60 seconds) with the following information:

• Full Name

• Intended College/University

• Intended Major/Field of Study

• A brief summary of your essay — What did you write about and why?

    Our generous donors love to hear from scholarship recipients and learn about their plans for the future. Your video helps us share your story with them and secure additional funding to help students.

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The following is a sample script to make sure the requested information is include in the video:

“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m attending [University Name] to study [Intended Major]. 

I received a [dollar amount] Quann Jackson Memorial Scholarship. My submission essay was about [insert 2-3 sentences summarizing your essay]. 

Thank you Migration Heritage Foundation for this scholarship.”

Feel free to change the script to reflect your personality.

 CLICK HERE to apply for the scholarship.