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 Schoendorfer founded Free Wheelchair Mission more than 20 years ago to provide free wheelchairs to individuals in need across the developing world. Laurie, a generous and caring individual, tirelessly devoted her life to restoring mobility to others—a mission that continues today, serving millions globally.
Founded in December 2017, Laurie’s Scholars was established by Meryl and Barry Resnick alongside Don Schoendorfer in Laurie’s memory. The endowment preserves her legacy by supporting wheelchair recipients as they pursue higher education and vocational training.
“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 support wheelchair users with the determination and capacity to learn a trade or earn a degree—building lives of increased self‑reliance, renewed dignity and restored purpose. Each scholar represents a life transformed through education, hope, and opportunity.
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
