DASCI celebrates 16 year of investing in the future as it surpasses 100 scholarships to students

Since 2007, the Dominica-America Scholarship and Culture, Inc. (DASCI) has helped 104 deserving students in need of financial assistance to achieve their educational goals. Eighty-six (86) students starting their secondary school careers in Dominica have received US$49,700 in scholarship aid and 18 college-bound students from St. Lucie County high schools in Florida have received scholarship awards totaling US$15,500.

Summer of 2022 marked a high point in DASCI’s history, with the organization awarding 21 scholarships to students in Dominica (20) and Port St Lucie, Florida (1). This record-breaking achievement was made possible by the dedication of its members, the consistency of community support, and the generosity of the Hendricks Ismael Family of Port St. Lucie for whom this year’s Dominica awards were named.

Accomplishing great things together has been the guiding principle and driving force behind the efforts of this small, all-volunteer, non-profit organization mostly comprised of Dominicans living in Florida. From its inception, DASCI has been laser-focused on education. By using membership dues to pay for the organization’s operating expenses, DASCI has been able to direct all donations and proceeds from fundraising activities to its Scholarship Program.

Following the 2017 island-wide devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria in Dominica, DASCI undertook a special Hurricane Relief fund drive and raised just over US$10,000. Using these funds, DASCI was able to deliver 1200 backpacks stocked with a variety of school supplies to students at 10 different primary schools in Dominica.

DASCI’S focus on education is borne out of a belief in the incredible power of education to change lives and communities for the better. The scholarships awarded by DASCI are a small but worthy investment in our collective future. DASCI members take great pride and satisfaction in this endeavor.