Great Lakes Empowered Scholars champions disadvantaged students by providing resources and opportunities to inspire and increase post-secondary enrollment.

ROOTED IN OAKRIDGE

Four alumni giving back to the community that shaped them.

OUR STORY

THE FOUNDERS

Group photo of the four founders: Carson Evans, Jared Holter, Alex Shoop, Luke Layman

Pictured in order: Carson Evans, Jared Holter, Alex Shoop, Luke Layman

The Great Lakes Empowered Scholars Foundation was founded by four Oakridge High School alumni who wanted to give back to the community that shaped them.

Luke Layman: Founding Member

Luke was a founding member of the Great Lakes Empowered Scholars Foundation. In 2025, he tragically lost his life, leaving behind a legacy defined by compassion, ambition, and a deep commitment to education. His admirable passion for empowerment through knowledge continues to live on within the foundation.

The foundation is honored to dedicate the Luke Layman Legacy Scholarship in Luke’s name, ensuring that his legacy inspires and supports future generations of scholars.

OUR HISTORY

Follow the journey of four Oakridge alumni giving back to their community, from our founding to $6,000 in scholarships awarded.

  • FOUNDING

    THE BEGINNING

    Four Oakridge High School alumni, Carson Evans, Jared Holter, Alex Shoop, and Luke Layman, founded the Great Lakes Empowered Scholars Foundation to support students from their hometown pursuing higher education.

  • 2024

    FIRST SCHOLARSHIP

    We awarded our inaugural scholarship to Rianna, marking the start of our mission in action.

  • 2025

    HONORING LUKE’S LEGACY

    We established the Luke Layman Legacy Scholarship honoring our founding member Luke Layman, who passed away in 2025. Hailee received the Oakridge Alumni Scholarship. Hannah DeLora joined the team in 2025 and helped us receive our first corporate donation.

  • 2026

    GROWING OUR IMPACT

    Dylan Cunningham received the Oakridge Alumni Scholarship and Connar Bruesch received the Luke Layman Legacy Scholarship, each awarded $2,500.

‹ ›
‹ ›
‹ ›
‹ ›

To date: $6,000 awarded in scholarships, 3 students supported.