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THE

Sera Janneh
Scholarship

Honoring the life and legacy of our beloved sister, The Sera Janneh Scholarship Fund awards one (1) $1,000 scholarship and three (3) $500 scholarships to outstanding Black, Muslim women of African descent who demonstrate a commitment to community service, leadership, and giving back.

Thank you to everyone who applied for the Sera Janneh Scholarship.

Applications closed on August 31, and our review process is now underway.

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To ensure a fair and unbiased selection, all applications are reviewed by an independent review board. Applicant names and identifying information are removed before review board members evaluate each application on its merits alone.

 

We will notify all applicants of the outcome by the end of September 2026. Thank you for your patience, and for honoring Sera Janneh’s legacy through your application.

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In the meantime, please donate so we can continue offering scholarships for many years to come!

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Sera Janneh

About

Sera Janneh was a radiant force of compassion, purpose, and unwavering service. A proud Gambian-American, Muslim woman, and advocate for Black identity, she dedicated her life to uplifting others—especially young people in the Bronx, the community she proudly called home. Known for her infectious smile, vibrant personality, and generous spirit, Sera had a gift for making people feel seen, supported, and valued. Friends, family, professors, and community members remember her as vivacious, outspoken, and endlessly encouraging—a true cheerleader for everyone around her. She was deeply passionate about photography, mental health advocacy, and creating spaces where others felt empowered to thrive. Sera was pursuing her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Lehman College with dreams of becoming a therapist or social worker. She believed that healing begins with compassion and aspired to dedicate her career to supporting individuals and families in her community. Her commitment to service extended far beyond the classroom. As a devoted volunteer with the Gambian Youth Organization (GYO) and an active member of The Smiling Coast Women's Empowerment Network (SCWEN), Sera invested countless hours mentoring young women, operating a neighborhood food pantry, organizing community initiatives, and helping coordinate the annual Miss Gambia pageant. Whether she was volunteering, mentoring, or simply offering words of encouragement, Sera led with empathy, humility, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. On January 9, 2022, Sera's life was tragically cut short in the historic Twin Parks North West apartment fire in the Bronx, where she was one of 17 lives lost due to smoke inhalation. Although her life ended far too soon, the impact she made continues to live on through the countless people she inspired, the community she strengthened, and the example of selfless leadership she left behind. To honor her extraordinary legacy, Sera's family, friends, and community established the Sera Janneh Scholarship Fund through The Smiling Coast Women's Empowerment Network (SCWEN). The scholarship reflects the values that defined Sera's life—faith, education, leadership, compassion, and service—by investing in young Black Muslim women of African descent who are committed to pursuing higher education, giving back to their communities, and creating meaningful change. Through every scholarship awarded, Sera's legacy lives on—empowering the next generation to lead with the same kindness, courage, and unwavering commitment to others that she embodied every day.

To honor her extraordinary legacy, The Smiling Coast Women's Empowerment Network (SCWEN) established the Sera Janneh Scholarship Fund. The scholarship reflects the values that defined Sera's life—faith, education, leadership, compassion, and community service.

THE SERA JANNEH SCHOLARSHIP

Investing & Empowering The Future Generation

Each year, the scholarship intends to award one (1) $1,000 scholarship and three (3) $500 scholarships to exceptional Black, Muslim women of African descent who demonstrate academic ambition, leadership potential, and a commitment to giving back to their communities.

By supporting young women who share Sera's passion for making a difference, the scholarship ensures that her legacy of empowerment, compassion, and community service continues for generations to come.

$1000

FOUR ANNUAL AWARDS of up to

Education

Service

Community

Support for your academic journey

Encouraging leadership & community impact

Involved in community to uplift and empower

granted to help further post-secondary educational & career goals

Scholarship Receipients will be announced and celebrated at our Higher Education Forum in October 2026. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

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  • Identify as a Black woman of African origin

  • Identify as Muslim

  • Be a resident of NYC (5 boroughs)

  • Show proof of program acceptance/enrollment 

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Be one of the following:

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  • High school senior

  • College student

  • Graduate student

  • Vocational/certification program participant

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Demonstrate commitment to community service and leadership

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Show passion for uplifting others, especially youth or marginalized communities

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Applications are currently closed.

DONATE TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

SCWEN is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All eligible donations are tax-deductible.

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Questions? We'd love to hear from you.

Contact us at INFO@SCWEN.org​​​

About SCWEN

SCWEN’s mission is to elevate African Muslim women in New York City by strengthening their presence in leadership and creating pathways to educational and professional success. Through leadership training, mentorship, and access to vital resources.

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​​SCWEN INC is a 501(c)3 registered non-profit. All donations are tax deductible

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