RENEE Foundation / Pillar 03

RENEE SCHOLARSHIPS
/ Her Dream Was Their Diploma

Honoring Lavette Renee Butts, one scholarship at a time.

She raised six children as a single parent and believed every one of them deserved to walk across a stage. The RENEE Scholarship carries that belief forward into the Inland Empire and beyond.

10 Recipients / Year
$2,500 Per Scholar
$25K Total / Year One
2026 First Class
Lavette Renee Butts with her six children at her 50th birthday celebration

Lavette Renee Butts
Mom. Fighter. The reason for all of this.

Why Scholarships

She Wanted All
Six of Them
In Cap and Gown

Renee did not have a lot. She was a single parent raising six kids, working, battling Lupus, and still making sure everybody ate, everybody got to school, and everybody knew they were loved. That was not easy. That was extraordinary.

Education was not optional in her house. She talked about college the way some parents talk about dinner: it was just understood. She wanted every one of her children to have a degree. To have options. To have something nobody could take from them.

"The RENEE Scholarship does not just give money. It gives students the message Renee gave her kids every day: you are worth investing in."

We are naming this scholarship after her because the families we are reaching look exactly like hers did. One parent. Big dreams. Not enough resources. The RENEE Scholarship is the bridge.

Scholarship Overview

The Numbers Behind
The Mission

The first RENEE Scholarship class launches for the 2026-2027 academic year. Here is exactly what we are doing and where we are headed.

10 Scholars / Year One
$2,500 Per Recipient
$25K Annual Investment
2026 First Class Year
25 Scholars by Year 3
50 Scholars by Year 5
Year Academic Year Recipients Total Investment
Year 1 2026-2027 10 Scholars $25,000
Year 2 2027-2028 15-20 Scholars $37,500-$50,000
Year 3 2028-2029 25 Scholars $62,500
Year 4 2029-2030 35-40 Scholars $87,500-$100,000
Year 5 2030-2031 50 Scholars $125,000
Who Can Apply

Eligibility
Requirements

The RENEE Scholarship is built for students who grew up in households like the one Renee ran: one parent doing the work of two. Whether you are a junior high student accepted into a private high school or a high school student heading to college, if that is your story, this scholarship was made for you.

Single-Parent Household

Student must be from a single-parent home. This includes households raised by one biological parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or legal guardian acting as the sole caregiver.

Academic Standing

Open to two groups: (1) Junior high students accepted into a private high school, and (2) high school students entering college. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA required at time of application.

Geography / Priority

San Bernardino County and Inland Empire students receive priority consideration. All California residents may apply. Students outside California may be considered in future cycles.

IE Priority

Financial Need

Demonstrated financial need is required. Applicants should describe their household financial situation in the application. EFC and FAFSA information may be requested during review.

Community Involvement

Applicants must show engagement in their community through volunteer work, church involvement, school activities, team sports, mentorship, or any service to others.

First-Generation Students

First-generation college students are given priority in the selection process. Being the first in your family to attend college is exactly the kind of barrier this scholarship was built to break.

Priority Given
How to Apply

Application
Timeline

Mark your calendar. Every date below matters. The whole process is designed to be straightforward because the last thing a student from a single-parent home needs is another obstacle.

01

January 15

Applications Open

The online application portal goes live. Complete the form below or visit the application link shared on social media and via email.

02

April 30

Application Deadline

All materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM Pacific. Late submissions will not be accepted. Start early.

03

May 1-31

Review Period

The selection committee reviews all submitted applications. Applicants will not be contacted during this period unless additional information is needed.

04

June 15

Award Notifications

All applicants notified via email. Selected scholars receive their official award letter and next steps. All applicants receive a response.

05

August 1

Awards Distributed

Scholarship funds sent directly before the fall semester begins. Timed so scholars have what they need before school starts.

Required Materials

You will need all four of these to complete your application. Get started early so you have time to write a real essay.

01

Personal Essay / 500 Words

Your story, in your voice. The prompt is below. Take your time. This is the most important part of your application.

02

Official Transcript

Unofficial transcripts accepted for initial review. Official transcripts required before funds are released to selected scholars.

03

Letter of Recommendation

One letter from a teacher, counselor, coach, pastor, or community leader who knows you. Not from a family member.

04

Proof of Single-Parent Household

Any documentation confirming household structure. Acceptable forms include tax return, court order, or signed letter from a school counselor.

How We Decide

Selection
Criteria

The committee reads every application. These are not just numbers on a rubric. They reflect what Renee would have valued: heart, story, service, and potential.

Essay / Personal Story
30%
Academic Achievement
25%
Community Involvement
20%
Financial Need
15%
Letter of Recommendation
10%

About the Selection Committee: The RENEE Scholarship review committee includes local educators from San Bernardino County schools, community leaders from the Inland Empire, and members of the RENEE Foundation board. Committee members are selected each cycle for their commitment to youth development and educational equity. No committee member may review applications from students they have a personal relationship with.

The Essay Prompt

Write Your
Truth

The essay is 30% of your score because your story matters most. We do not want a polished, perfect piece. We want your real voice. Write like you are telling us something you have never had a chance to say.

"Write about the person who raised you. How did their strength shape who you are? What will you do with your education to honor their sacrifice?"

500 Words Your Voice Minimum 400 words / Maximum 600 words. No formatting requirements. Just honesty.

There is no wrong answer. Some students write about their mothers. Some write about their grandmothers, fathers, older siblings who stepped up. The person who raised you is the person this scholarship is about. Tell us who they are. Tell us what they did. Tell us what you are going to do with this education.

Renee believed in her six kids without conditions. This essay is your chance to honor the person who believed in you the same way.

More Than Money

What RENEE
Scholars Receive

The $2,500 is just the beginning. RENEE scholars are brought into a community. They get access, exposure, and relationships that money alone cannot buy.

$2,500 Scholarship Award

Distributed directly before the fall semester. Use it for tuition, books, housing, transportation, or whatever you need to stay in school and focused.

Annual RENEE Foundation Gala

Scholars are honored and invited to the annual RENEE Foundation gala. A real event with real community leaders, donors, and people worth knowing.

Mentorship from Shareece / Board

Direct access to Shareece Wright and RENEE Foundation board members. Real mentorship from people who have navigated college, career, and life from similar starting points.

Pursue Alumni Network Access

RENEE scholars are connected to the broader Pursue mentorship alumni network, expanding their professional network from day one of college.

Resume Building Workshops

Practical workshops covering resume writing, job applications, professional email, and interview skills. The stuff schools do not always teach but employers always expect.

Professional Headshots

Every RENEE scholar gets a professional headshot session. Because the way you show up online matters and nobody should start their career without a good photo.

LinkedIn Profile Setup

One-on-one assistance setting up or improving a LinkedIn profile. Scholars are coached on how to present their story professionally from the start.

RENEE Scholar Title for Life

Being selected as a RENEE Scholar is permanent. It goes on your resume. It connects you to every scholar who comes after you. It means something.

RENEE Scholar Alumni

Once a Scholar,
Always a Scholar

The alumni network is part of what makes this scholarship different. We are not handing out a check and moving on. RENEE scholars stay connected to each other and to the foundation as they move through college and into their careers.

Every year, the alumni network grows. Every year, the older scholars become the example for the newer ones. That is what Renee modeled for her six children. They watched her do hard things with grace. Now her scholars do the same thing for each other.

  • Annual alumni reunion and networking event in the Inland Empire
  • Alumni spotlights on the RENEE Foundation website and social media
  • Access to career connections and job referrals through the Pursue network
  • Invitation to serve as mentor to future scholarship applicants
  • Ongoing connection to Shareece Wright and foundation leadership

The Pay-It-Forward Commitment

Every RENEE scholar commits to a minimum of 10 hours of community service per semester while enrolled in school. This is not a requirement for the money. It is a recognition that someone gave to you, and now you give back. Renee modeled that her whole life.

"My mom worked double shifts my whole life and never missed one of my games. She told me college was not optional. The RENEE Scholarship feels like someone finally told her she was right."

A future RENEE Scholar, 2026

Alumni Network Events

ANNUAL

Alumni Reunion / Networking Dinner

Inland Empire location, date TBD per cycle

ANNUAL

RENEE Foundation Gala

All scholars and alumni invited as honored guests

ONGOING

Scholar Spotlight Series

Website features, social posts, and alumni stories

Apply Now

RENEE Scholarship
Application

Applications open January 15 and close April 30. Complete every section honestly. The committee reads all of them. Your story matters here.

Opens: Jan 15 Deadline: Apr 30 Award: $2,500

Personal Information

Academic Information

Household Information

The Essay

"Write about the person who raised you. How did their strength shape who you are? What will you do with your education to honor their sacrifice?"

400-600 words. Write naturally. This is your most important section.

Letter of Recommendation

Proof of Single-Parent Household

Additional Notes

Your application is sent securely to foundation@shareece.ai. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, email us directly at foundation@shareece.ai with the subject line "RENEE Scholarship Application."

Common Questions

Frequently Asked
Questions

Real questions families ask. Real answers, straight.

A single-parent household is any home where one adult is the primary or sole caregiver. This includes:

  • Single mothers or single fathers (divorced, separated, or never married)
  • Grandparents, aunts, or uncles who are raising the student alone
  • Legal guardians who have sole custody
  • Households where one parent is incarcerated, deceased, or otherwise absent

If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, apply anyway and explain your household in the application. The committee reviews each situation individually.

The 2.5 GPA is a baseline requirement. However, the committee understands that circumstances affect grades. If your GPA is below 2.5 due to a documented hardship (illness, family crisis, housing instability), include that context in your application notes.

We are looking at the full person, not just the number. We recommend applying and being transparent about any extenuating circumstances. The essay and community involvement can speak to character in ways a GPA cannot.

San Bernardino County and Inland Empire students receive priority because this is the community Shareece serves and where the RENEE Foundation is rooted. However, all California residents are eligible to apply.

If a strong out-of-county or out-of-state application comes in, the committee will consider it. We are not closing doors. We are just making sure the community that raised Shareece is served first.

The RENEE Scholarship is focused on two groups: junior high students who have been accepted into a private high school, and high school students heading to college. Current college students are not eligible at this time.

Award funds are distributed on August 1, before the fall semester begins. Payment is made directly to the selected scholar, not to the institution, so you can apply it where it is needed most: tuition, housing, books, transportation, or supplies.

Selected scholars will need to confirm their enrollment and provide banking or payment information after receiving their award notification on June 15.

After submitting your application, email your transcript and any supporting documents to foundation@shareece.ai with the subject line "RENEE Scholarship Documents / [Your Full Name]."

For your letter of recommendation, your recommender can email it directly to foundation@shareece.ai, or you can include them in the same email with your documents. Unofficial transcripts are accepted for initial review. Official transcripts will be requested before funds are released.

Yes. Students who apply and are not selected in one cycle are encouraged to apply again in subsequent cycles, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. The committee does not penalize previous applicants. In fact, showing growth from one application cycle to the next is a positive factor.

No. The RENEE Scholarship is a grant, not a loan. It does not need to be repaid. The only expectation is that scholars commit to 10 hours of community service per semester and carry themselves in a way that reflects the values the scholarship represents.

You can absolutely apply. "Demonstrated financial need" does not mean you have to be in crisis. Single-parent families often work hard and still face a significant gap when it comes to funding higher education. If paying for college is a real challenge for your family, that is exactly the situation this scholarship is designed for.

Be honest in the financial need section. Describe your household situation accurately. The committee is experienced at understanding the real cost of college for families with limited support.

Yes. The recommendation does not have to come from a school employee. Teachers, school counselors, and coaches are all strong choices, but so are pastors, community organizers, youth program leaders, or employers. The recommender just needs to know you well enough to speak to your character and potential.

Family members cannot serve as recommenders.

Email the RENEE Foundation directly at foundation@shareece.ai. Use the subject line "RENEE Scholarship Question" and we will get back to you within 2-3 business days. You can also follow the RENEE Foundation on social media for updates on application timelines and announcements.

RENEE Foundation

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