The Charles & Tanya Burke Foundation (also known as the Burke Youth Foundation) is committed to empowering the next generation. Through mentorship, educational support, and access to transformative opportunities, we help young people overcome barriers and build brighter futures. United by a shared passion for uplifting others, our members host engaging events that spark meaningful conversations around education, career readiness, and leadership development.
At the Burke Youth Foundation, we empower youth—especially those from underrepresented communities—through mentorship, educational support, and access to life-changing opportunities. Driven by a shared commitment to uplift and inspire, we work to break down barriers, nurture leadership, and promote career readiness through meaningful engagement and transformative experiences that pave the way for brighter futures.
The Burke Youth Foundation is dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap by bringing dynamic and informative events directly to underserved high school students. These events offer critical insights into college preparation, career pathways, and personal development. By engaging students with practical knowledge and inspiring role models, we aim to equip them with the tools needed to succeed beyond the classroom.
Our events provide valuable opportunities to inspire and educate young students about the many paths to success. We invite both traditional and non-traditional graduates—from junior colleges, universities, trade schools, and the military—to share their real-world experiences and offer practical guidance on navigating college life and beyond.
The foundation has successfully connected with high school students by inviting young professionals to share meaningful insights and firsthand experiences from their college journeys, offering guidance, inspiration, and relatable advice.
Officially formed in 2024, the foundation is committed to educating and assisting youth in achieving defined success.
Through multiple informative events the foundation has touch the lives of over 500 young men and women.
Through multiple informative from mentorship sessions, college tour Q/A events.
The Helen J. Burke Memorial Scholarship is a needs-based award established to honor the legacy of Helen J. Burke—a first-generation, nontraditional college graduate who believed in education as a powerful force for change. This scholarship supports nontraditional students from underrepresented or financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are working to become the first in their families to earn a college degree. It offers both financial assistance and guidance to individuals who don’t fit the traditional model of a full-time, residential student—whether they are older adults, working while enrolled, supporting dependents, or returning to school after a delay. The scholarship exists to champion their resilience and help them succeed on their academic journey.
The fund continues Helen’s legacy by empowering determined scholars to overcome barriers and pursue their dreams.
1. First-generation college students
2. High school seniors or current undergraduates enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution
3. Demonstrated financial need
4. Minimum GPA of 2.5
1. Contact us at info@burke-youth-foundation.org for information
2. Complete the application form
3. Submit a personal statement (500–750 words) describing yourself, academic goals and how the scholarship will help
4. Provide one letter of recommendation (teacher, mentor, or counselor)
5. Include a copy of the most recent transcript and FAFSA/financial aid summary
1. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000
2. Award funds may be used for tuition, books, or related educational expenses
3. Recipients are announced annually in June
The Charles & Tanya Burke Foundation (aka Burke Youth Foundation) is Tanya Burke's vision to create a youth centered non-profit similar to a non-profit her mother (Patricia Henderson) created decades ago called 'Young, Gifted, and Black' (YGB). Tanya never forgot how impactful YGB was in serving underserved youth in the Canton OH area. She would assist her mother in organizing events to raise money and provide scholarships. The Charles & Tanya Burke Foundation is a successor to YGB and is committed to enabling underserved youth. Tanya realized her dream by partnering with the Canton OH 'Simply Youth' non-profit organization to spearhead the Burke Youth Foundation.
678.902.5249
info@burke-youth-foundation.org
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