Since 2020, students at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) pursuing degrees in Psychology or related disciplines, either at the undergraduate or graduate level have had the opportunity to benefit from scholarships provided by the Lisa Gore Seifart Endowment Fund. Annually, the fund allocates US $5000 to support qualifying students in their academic pursuits. However, this academic year, the Board of The Gore Family Foundation has agreed to a generous one hundred percent increase to US $10,000 in scholarship funding per year.

Pro Vice-Chancellor of Graduate Studies and Research at The UWI, Professor Aldrie Henry-Lee reported that enquiries about scholarships begin even before annual calls for applications are issued each academic year. “We have observed an increased interest from postgraduate students inquiring about the availability of this scholarship. Many have expressed a pressing need for financial assistance given difficult circumstances. The support of the Gore Family Foundation has been instrumental in fostering academic excellence in the lives of deserving scholars and we are grateful for this additional contribution which, and will enhance access to pursue UWI programmes.”

Philanthropists Phillip and Christine Gore and the Gore Family Foundation established the endowment fund in honour of their daughter, the late Dr. Lisa Gore Seifart. She was a successful clinical psychologist who was committed to bettering the lives of persons dealing with mental illness.  

Commenting on the decision to increase the scholarship to US $10,000 Mrs. Christine Gore, Executive Director of the Gore Family Foundation, stated “I have been impressed with the Gore scholars who have been a part of this programme at The UWI, and their willingness and commitment to use the skills that they have developed to assist and give back in our programmes. We strive to provide counselling services to so many who are a part of our programmes who need this and similar assistance and would never otherwise have the opportunity to receive it.  We are aware of the great need for financial assistance that exists among students and will continue to make every effort possible to assist in the ways that we can.”

The Gore Family Foundation dedicatedly supports education development, particularly in Jamaica. Longstanding partners of The UWI, Phillip and Christine Gore, were recognised by the American Foundation for The University of the West Indies (AFUWI) with the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award in 2016.