Underserved Students
Students from communities with limited financial resources or reduced access to educational opportunities.
Application Deadline: December 18, 2026
Educational Access. Economic Mobility. Workforce Opportunity.
Breaking
Barriers.Breaking
Chains.Building
Futures.
Expanding educational access. Supporting economic mobility. Strengthening America's future workforce.
Shaw Foundation Scholarship – Breaking the Barriers, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity helping underserved students and students facing barriers to educational opportunity pursue their academic and career goals.
Up to $1,000
Per student, per year
Application Deadline
December 18, 2026
Apply. Donate. Share.
Building Stronger Communities. Empowering Generations.
About Us
Our Mission: Opportunity Without Barriers.
Shaw Foundation Scholarship – Breaking the Barriers, Inc. is committed to helping students overcome financial and access-related barriers to education.
Through scholarships and encouragement, we help students begin, continue, or complete educational pathways that can strengthen their economic futures and expand opportunity for their families and communities.
“Talent is everywhere.
Access is not.”
Who We Support
Recognizing Potential. Expanding Opportunity.
Our scholarship program welcomes eligible students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. We recognize several important dimensions of educational opportunity.
Underrepresented Students
Students whose backgrounds or circumstances are less commonly represented in their chosen fields—for example, racial and ethnic minorities pursuing STEM, women pursuing engineering or skilled trades, and men entering nursing or social work.
Additional Barriers
Students with disabilities, first-generation college students, undergraduate parents, and adults returning to education after age 25.
Educational Pathways
Eligible undergraduate and graduate degrees, healthcare certifications, vocational and technical education, and qualifying career transitions.
Our commitment is to recognize potential, remove financial barriers, and expand opportunity.
Why Our Mission Matters
Education Changes Lives—and Strengthens Communities.
Across the United States, educational barriers limit individual opportunity while essential industries face challenges developing and sustaining qualified workforces.
Federal data highlight the importance of improving educational access for people with disabilities and addressing projected shortages in healthcare professions. ShawBTB.org contributes to these broader needs by helping eligible students pursue education, credentials, and career advancement.
Educational Access
24% vs. 42%
Bachelor's-degree attainment among U.S. adults age 25 and older with and without disabilities in 2025.
BLS source ↗Healthcare Workforce
~355,000
Projected combined national shortage of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in 2038, measured in full-time equivalents.
HRSA source ↗Together, we can expand educational access, support economic mobility, and help develop a more diverse and skilled American workforce.
Maria M. Shaw, MBA, LSSBB
Founder & CEO
Shaw Foundation Scholarship – Breaking the Barriers, Inc.
Our Founder
A Message of Possibility
Maria M. Shaw is an award-winning global healthcare executive with more than 25 years of leadership, entrepreneurship, transformation, and service. A Kettering University engineering graduate, she later earned her MBA from Marquette University and advanced to Global Division Vice President leadership within healthcare.
Maria founded Shaw Foundation Scholarship – Breaking the Barriers, Inc. to help underserved and underrepresented students pursue higher education with greater access, encouragement, and support. She is especially passionate about STEM, healthcare, and other challenging fields where students' talents can make a meaningful difference.
“Breaking the Barriers is more than the name of a scholarship. It is a commitment to opening doors, expanding possibilities, and helping the next generation believe that their circumstances do not have to define their future.”
Selected Recognition
- Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement
- General Electric African American Forum Icon of the Year
- Thermo Fisher Clinical Diagnostics 4i Award
- Kettering University Extraordinary Leadership Award
Our Impact
Scholarships That Open Doors.
$15,000
Awarded since 2025
15
Scholarship awards funded
$100,000
Next campaign goal
100
Students the campaign aims to support
Each scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It represents an opportunity for a student to begin, continue, or complete an educational journey.
Our vision is to help more students pursue meaningful careers, strengthen their economic futures, and contribute their talents to the communities and industries that need them.
Class of 2025
2025 Scholarship Recipients
Celebrating students whose talent, perseverance, and potential reflect the spirit of Breaking the Barriers.
JAZZMIN W.
California State University Fullerton
JORDAN S. D.
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
XAVIER M.
Fisk University
JAYDEN J.
Loyola University New Orleans
CHRISTINA A.
University of Michigan
INDIA W.
Purdue University
KIMORA A.
Howard University
NISA-ALLAH M.
Wayne State University
BRIONNA J.
Michigan State University
KYLAN S.
Grand Valley State University
Testimonials
What Our Scholars & Families Say
The impact of a scholarship extends beyond the award itself.
“I am grateful to Shaw Foundation Scholarship – Breaking the Barriers, Inc. for the financial support that helped me graduate with a degree in Journalism from Michigan State University, Class of 2025. Beyond scholarship support, the Foundation gives students and graduates visibility among professionals and potential employers in their fields. I am excited to build my network and begin my career.”
Brionna J.
Journalism Graduate
Michigan State University, Class of 2025.
“Receiving this $1,000 scholarship meant so much to me. It provided meaningful financial support during an important transition in my education and reminded me that there are people and organizations who believe in my goals and want to see me succeed.”
India W.
Student · Purdue University
Purdue Biomedical Engineering graduate continuing into graduate study in biomedical engineering and device development.
“As a returning recipient, I am grateful for the Foundation's continued support. It means a great deal to know that an organization believes in my future and continues to invest in it.”
Christina A.
Student · University of Michigan
Third-year University of Michigan student studying biopsychology, cognition and neuroscience on the pre-med track, with a minor in African American studies.
“This scholarship helped cover educational expenses that Jazzmin's athletic scholarship did not. Thank you for supporting young people and investing in their education.”
Diedra P.
Parent of Jazzmin W.
Jazzmin attends California State University Fullerton, studies psychology, and competes in Division I track and field.
“This scholarship helped ease the financial responsibilities of completing my education, allowing me to remain focused on my academics, graduation, and preparing for the next chapter of my life.”
Xavier M.
Student · Fisk University
Senior at Fisk University majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance.
Scholarship & Application
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Help a Student Take the Next Step.
Your contribution can help a student take the next step toward an education and a stronger future.
Since launching in 2025, ShawBTB.org has awarded $15,000 in scholarships. We invite individuals, families, businesses, and community partners to help us reach our next goal: $100,000 in scholarship awards supporting 100 students.
Every contribution matters. Whether you give $25, $100, $500, or fund an entire $1,000 scholarship, you can help expand educational opportunity.
$25
Support the Journey
$100
Expand Access
$500
Help Remove a Barrier
$1,000
Fund a Scholarship
Shaw Foundation Scholarship – Breaking the Barriers, Inc. is recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Please consult your tax adviser regarding your individual circumstances.
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