In a heartening display of support for North Korean escapees, the George W. Bush Institute has announced the recipients of the 2024 Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship. The institute awarded a total of $50,000 to nine deserving students, empowering them to pursue their educational aspirations and build brighter futures in the United States.
Established in 2017, the Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship is designed to assist North Korean escapees and their children in accessing higher education opportunities. The scholarship, administered by Communities Foundation of Texas, selects recipients based on merit and need, enabling them to attend vocational schools, community colleges, and universities across the country.
This year's scholarship recipients, who prefer to remain anonymous to protect loved ones still residing in North Korea, are pursuing a diverse range of careers. From psychology and computer science to architecture and global affairs, these students are determined to make the most of their educational opportunities and contribute positively to their communities.
Since its inception, the Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship has awarded nearly $350,000 in the form of 84 scholarships. This ongoing support is a testament to the Bush Institute's commitment to improving the human condition in North Korea and shedding light on the plight of the North Korean people.
Joseph Kim, Program Manager of Global Policy and Expert-in-Residence at the Bush Institute, expressed his admiration for the scholarship recipients, stating, "We are honored to support this year's group of resilient and brave awardees. As a North Korean escapee and former scholarship recipient myself, I am inspired by their courage and determination to pursue an education here in the U.S."
The scholarship is just one facet of the Bush Institute's multifaceted approach to supporting North Korean escapees and raising awareness about the dire situation in North Korea. According to the Refugee Processing Center, 224 North Korean escapees have been admitted to the United States between 2006 and May 2024, highlighting the ongoing need for support and advocacy.
The Lindsay Lloyd North Korea Freedom Scholarship Committee, comprised of experts and professionals from various fields, carefully reviewed the applications and recommended the awards. The committee members, including Jieun Baek, Alex Dowdy, Sheena Greitens, Jensen Ko, Jenny Torres, and Chris Walsh, bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the selection process.
Looking ahead, the scholarship application period for the next year will open in early 2025, providing another opportunity for North Korean escapees and their children to pursue their educational dreams. The Bush Institute remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing solutions to global issues and creating positive, lasting change in the lives of those who have overcome immense adversity.
