The Gardiner Foundation Scholarship

Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things a young person can go through. For Dexter Gardiner, that loss was unimaginable — in 2006, he lost six family members in a single tragic car accident on the Bronx River Parkway.

But instead of letting that tragedy define him, Dexter chose to honor his family by creating something powerful: the Gardiner Foundation. Since then, the foundation has focused on helping youth and families facing hardship — especially those who have experienced the sudden loss of a loved one.

If you're a student who has faced adversity, whether through personal loss or other difficult circumstances, this scholarship is for you. In partnership with Mr. Nicholas Liakas, Esq. and the team at Liakas Law P.C., the Gardiner Foundation awards five scholarships of $1,500 each every year to students who show resilience, strength, and a drive to pursue higher education.

You don't have to have lost a loved one to apply — but if you've faced challenges and are working hard to move forward, we want to support you.

Once we've looked over all the applications and determined those we feel are most deserving, the winning students and their families are contacted by phone. The ceremony is held at the Gardiner Foundation Basketball Classic at St. James Park in late August — always a rewarding and emotional event, and our way of recognizing each student's family and the courage they've shown.