Our Story

The I Can Scholarship Foundation Inc. was born from a single moment, one rooted in faith, love, and an unshakable belief in possibility. It was a moment that transformed uncertainty into purpose and sparked a movement that continues to change lives. In early 2022, founder Jawnt’e M. Everette found himself at a crossroads. 

He had the vision for a scholarship foundation, but one question lingered: Should I wait until 2023, or is now the time? As he sat reflecting on the weight of that decision, his mother, Tonya Everette, looked at him and spoke five simple yet powerful words:
“Jay, you can do it.” Those words did more than offer encouragement, they ignited clarity. In that instant, doubt gave way to determination, and the foundation found both its name and its purpose. I Can was born. With the support of his mother, Jawnt’e took the first step in their hometown of Hamlet, North Carolina. 

The Foundation’s very first fundraiser was a humble plate sale, grassroots, personal, and fueled entirely by love. What it lacked in scale, it made up for in heart. That single event raised enough to award a $1,000 scholarship to a local high school senior, planting the first seed of what would become a growing legacy of opportunity.

As the Foundation grew, Jawnt’e recognized the importance of building a professional and dedicated leadership team. Together, this team established the structure and governance needed to guide the Foundation’s growth, ensure accountability, and sustain its mission for the long term. With this leadership in place, the organization reached another critical milestone. Through diligence, collaboration, and commitment to doing things the right way, the I Can Scholarship Foundation Inc. successfully obtained its federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This achievement formally recognized the Foundation’s mission and allowed it to expand its reach, strengthen partnerships, and increase scholarship opportunities for students.

What began as a mother’s words to her son has grown into a powerful declaration for students everywhere. I Can is more than a name, it is a mindset, a movement, and a promise to uplift, empower, and inspire belief in one’s own potential. Since its founding, Jawnt’e M. Everette has served as the Executive Director, leading the Foundation from 2022 to the present with passion, purpose, and vision. Every scholarship awarded, every event hosted, and every dollar raised echoes the same unwavering message:

I Can.

#TogetherWeCan #TogetherWeWill