Laurie’s Scholars Endowment provides scholarships for higher education to aspiring students from developing countries that face mobility challenges, both physically and economically.
Our commitment is to leave no qualified scholar behind.
Don and Laurie Schoendrofer founded Free Wheelchair Mission over 20 years ago. Laurie, a generous, loving, and caring individual tirelessly devoted much of her life to giving the gift of mobility to over a million individuals in need of a wheelchair in developing countries. Free Wheelchair Mission continues this mission with a goal of providing free wheelchairs for the estimated 80 million people around the world in need today.
Founded in December 2017—separate from Free Wheelchair Mission—Laurie’s Scholars was formed by Meryl and Barry Resnick along with Don Schoendorfer in her memory.
Laurie’s Scholars Endowment for Education will preserve Laurie’s legacy by supporting wheelchair recipients with scholarships to attend universities in their pursuit of higher education.
“Had it not been for scholarships, neither Laurie or I would have had the benefit of a formal education, and there would never have been a Free Wheelchair Mission or Laurie’s Scholars. This endowment will help eliminate the discrimination of people with mobility disabilities.”
– Don Schoendorfer
While Laurie’s Scholars operates independently from Free Wheelchair Mission, the two organizations work hand in hand to identify deserving scholarship candidates. Through FWM’s network of distribution partners, individuals with mobility-related disabilities can be referred to Laurie’s Scholars for educational support. Our distribution partners screen these recipients and identify those with the potential to benefit from education.
Once referred, Laurie’s Scholars reviews applications and provides funding for qualified students pursuing a university degree or vocational training.
After a thorough application review, Laurie’s Scholars may qualify to receive funds to cover the following needs:
Our scholarships go to wheelchair users who have the determination and capacity to learn a trade or earn a degree – to build a life of dignity, self-reliance and purpose.
Every single scholar represents a life transformed – not just through mobility, but through education, hope and the belief that they matter.
The gift of a wheelchair changes everything. But for many, it’s only the beginning. Often, those who can’t walk are still told, “You’ll never work. Maybe you can beg.” It’s heartbreaking. And it’s wrong.
Don Schoendorfer: President and CoFounder
Meryl Resnick: Secretary
Jim Kozel: Treasurer
Barry Resnick: CoFounder
Ed Resnick: Scholarship Committee Chair
Rebecca Goldstone: Program Coordinator
