Defend the Dream. Invest in Potential. A snapshot of who we’ve reached and how, pulled from our own recent scholarship and grant announcements.
Scholarships awarded annually to help students pursue higher education
Grants distributed annually to individuals, students, and families
Students engaged through programs, mentorship, and outreach
Individuals experiencing homelessness served annually, across all outreach
Families supported through programs for greater stability
Through these initiatives, the Mario West Foundation Inc. reaches more than 1,150 individuals, students, and families annually, while providing financial assistance, educational opportunities, mentorship, and direct community support.
Figures below are drawn from the foundation’s own 2025-2026 scholarship and grant announcements.
DCSS Digest: DCEF awarded $48,000 to 25 scholarship recipients across all five Douglas County high schools for the Class of 2025 (11 scholarships selected from 162 applications), including the Defend the Dream Scholarship, thanks to community donors like Mario West.
Financial literacy and educational programming that build lifelong money skills.
Student and teacher scholarships that fund real educational opportunity.
Mentorship, leadership, and life preparation that build dream-building skills.
Community engagement, family resources, and partnerships that reach further.
Camille Scott, Stevenson Vallere, Destiny Hawkins, and Elliott Agyekum (the 2026 Defend the Dream Scholarship class, administered with the Douglas County Education Foundation) will each start Fall 2026 with tuition and fees covered.
With thanks to the NBPA Foundation, Donna & James Boldt, and Ashley McMaster.
Sweetwater Elementary School
Stewart Middle School
Douglas County High School
“We believe teachers are the backbone of our community, and we are excited to recognize and empower those who go above and beyond.”
The Mario West Foundation Inc.
We track every mentor hour, scholarship dollar, and community event so our impact is easy to see and easy to support.
