This collaboration allows scholarship recipients to make a difference in their own lives, those of their family, and their community beyond. In the first instance, the foundation awards two scholarships per academic year: the Shawna Christianson Clarke scholarship, administered through the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), and the Vilma Nathaniel Clarke scholarship, administered through Kinnaird College, Lahore, Pakistan.

All overhead costs for the foundation’s work are either waived or covered by the Clarke family. Therefore, every donation directly meets the costs of educating deserving young women.

The Shawna Christianson Clarke Scholarship enables Palestinian refugee women from the West Bank to attain a university or college education, including degrees from institutions abroad. Every donation helps educate young Palestinian women, making a difference in their own lives, those of their family, and their community. Education offers the possibility of a brighter future and stability for those who are most in need.

Female students who are either currently enrolled in or have graduated from a UNRWA school and have been admitted to a university for undergraduate education (including those studying abroad) are eligible. Selection is based on high academic achievement, financial need, leadership potential, and demonstrated seriousness of purpose. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed in person by a selection committee chaired by Dr. John N. Clarke.

Dr. John Clarke visited An-Najah National University on Monday, Feb 12th, and met with the administrative staff. They discussed the challenges Palestinian students face in the ongoing war and An-Najah’s determination to provide its students with the best opportunities for the continuity of the educational process.

The Clarke Education Foundation has already granted scholarships to many outstanding Palestinian female students whom they found to have great potential, uplifting their community and their lives.