BRIGHT ROAD SCHOLARSHIPS
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BRIGHT ROAD™ SCHOLARSHIPS
In the ever-neglected world of education, the foundation has created its Bright Road Scholarships, focused on a select group of young, deserving students in education, the performing arts, and martial arts based on a combination of educational merit and economic need. Underserved students (both domestic and international), high achievers, and low income are the primary focus for the recipients.
Academic Scholarships
In recognition of Harry Belafonte’s roots and legacy, we provide financial support to at-risk and underserved students residing in some of the most impoverished communities in the Caribbean. These students are awarded full-ride scholarships to prestigious regional universities, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations. We annually support multiple students throughout their academic journey, which may extend from two to seven years. Upon each student’s graduation, we extend another full academic scholarship to a deserving new student. Our comprehensive support encompasses all university tuition costs, as well as transportation, food, textbooks, clothing, and enrollment fees.
Martial Arts Scholarships
Commitment to a martial arts discipline can be a transformative experience that, when practiced at the highest level, becomes an integral aspect of one’s lifestyle. It fosters self-discovery, self-control, self-respect, adherence to engagement rules, and team-oriented training. Martial arts demands individuals to push their boundaries, often leading to profound self-discovery, enhanced focus on the inner self, and synchronization of the mind and body. BFF will sponsor qualifying youth in martial arts training programs
(both domestic and international) across various disciplines, collaborating with esteemed academies and instructors.
Performing Arts Scholarships
We provide opportunities for students from families without the financial means to participate in exceptional musical theater programs and productions, each requiring a three-month commitment, involving three to four rehearsals per week, culminating in five to seven performances in fully staged theaters. Each production features a cast of approximately 30 to 40 young individuals and a backstage team of 20 to 30. The support provided by BFF extends beyond individual students, impacting hundreds of students and their families.
Haiti
Civil Engineering Student
Port-au-Prince Haiti
August 27, 2025
"This year I'm in my second year of civil engineering. The beginning of the year has not been easy for me. The university was shut down for nearly 3 months due to the insecurity in the country. I hope that the year 2026 will be better for all of us, allowing us to learn more smoothly and without major obstacles. In 2026, despite many problems and difficulties, I am entering with a new mindset with exceptional determination. I know that facing obstacles on the road to success is not easy, but with your help and my determination, I know forward will be better.
Thank you again for your patience, your support, and for everything you're doing to help me succeed. I truly appreciate it. May God bless you.”
Electrical Engineering Student
Port-au-Prince Haiti
September 11, 2025
"Dear Belafonte Family, I want to express my sincerest thanks for all the support, encouragement, and trust you have given me throughout my studies. Thanks to you, I was able to move forward with courage and perseverance, even during the most challenging moments. My graduation is approaching. You have contributed by adding an Electrician in Haiti. Your generosity and presence, even from afar, have made this moment possible and unforgettable. I will be eternally grateful."
Medical Student
UNIFA
August 28, 2025
“It is with a heart full of joy that I am writing to share with you a glimpse of my academic journey, while at the same time, expressing my deepest gratitude. I feel truly blessed because, thanks to your support, I am moving closer to realizing my dream despite the many challenges, I have encountered along the way. Your support has been a source of strength and encouragement for me and i I look forward to the coming year with hope and determination. Once again, I sincerely thank you for standing by me, and I assure you that your generosity will never be in vain.”
Academía de la Costa
Dominican Republic
BFF is proud to support Academy de la Costa with full scholarships to outstanding students from the village of Cadaret in its Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mentoring program.
THE NAME
Bright Road, a 1953 low-budget film, is the first feature film appearance by Harry Belafonte, who co-stars as the principal of a school. Featuring a nearly all-black cast, the film stars Dorothy Dandridge as an idealistic first-year elementary school teacher trying to reach out to a problem student, and ultimately succeeds. It is in the spirit of this film showcasing the positive results that come from investing in our at-risk-youth, that we have adopted the “Bright Road” moniker.
