Donate & Unlock a $1,000 Matching Gift for the Ishmael Gabbidon Memorial Scholarship
In 2013, at age 13, Ishmael Gabbidon received a UDS scholarship and remained until he graduated high school (2021). In 2016, he participated in our free computer course and quickly grasped what he had learned. His computer skills led to employment and a self-supported college education. He had a promising future until he died unexpectedly in March 2024. Read more about Ishmael.
Uniting Distant Stars wants to honor his memory by providing scholarships for UDS academic students to attend a two-year vocational program. Ishmael seized every opportunity we offered with academics and vocational training. We want to memorialize his legacy by supporting young people on their quest for self-sufficiency.
Uniting Distant Stars Academy Students can apply for the scholarship and must meet the following selection criteria:
GPA is equal to or greater than 80.
Minimum age is 13.
Maintains good attendance for academics.
Consistently displays good behavior.
With your generous support, we aim to raise $5,000 for 40 students as follows:
20 students at $100 each ($2,000) to learn non-tech courses: catering, computers, cosmetology, event decoration, or tailoring.
20 students at $150 each ($3,000) to learn tech courses: computers, electrician, plumbing, or satellite dish/solar installation.
You can donate any amount to fun this scholarship or choose one of the options:
$20 partial scholarship
$50 half non-tech course scholarship
$75 half tech course scholarship
$100 full non-tech course scholarship
$150 full tech course scholarship
You can double your impact with our $1,000 matching grant, and your employer if they have an employee matching program. Check with your employer's human resource department for more information.
Please listen to current academic-vocational scholarship students share why they love this program by clicking their photos.
Phanlyn Angel Queedor, 11th Grade Student & Vocational Catering Scholarship Recipient
Marthaline Yarpah, 9th Grade Student & Vocational Tailoring Scholarship Recipient
Godgift Barrolle, 1th Grade Student & Vocational Electrician Scholarship Recipient