Brookdale Student Rochelle Edwards Awarded LewerMark Global Impact Scholarship

Brookdale Community College international student Rochelle Edwards, a nursing major from Jamaica, has been awarded fourth place and a $1,000 scholarship in the LewerMark Global Impact Scholarship, an international competition recognizing the leadership, creativity, and vision of students studying at colleges within the Community Colleges for International Development (CCID) network.

The scholarship contest, created in partnership with LewerMark Student Insurance, celebrates international students who are using their education to make a meaningful impact in the world. This year’s theme asked students to reflect on the question: “How will you make a difference on the world with your international education?”

Edwards’ powerful submission drew on both personal experience and her aspirations as a future healthcare professional. Raised in a rural parish in Jamaica, she is pursuing a nursing degree at Brookdale with the goal of becoming a registered nurse and using her education to support communities affected by natural disasters.

Her commitment to service deepened following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, which destroyed homes and displaced families, including members of her own family. Witnessing the impact of disasters on vulnerable communities strengthened her determination to use healthcare as a tool for advocacy, prevention, and emergency response.

After completing her studies, Edwards hopes to provide medical support and disaster preparedness education throughout the Caribbean and establish a charitable foundation that delivers food, medical supplies, and emergency assistance to communities affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.

The Global Impact Scholarship recognizes international students who embody the values of global education, innovation, leadership, resilience, and a commitment to improving lives across borders.

“We are proud of Rochelle and the impact she has already made as a Brookdale student,” said Janice Thomas, Ph.D, director of the International Education Center. “Her compassion, determination, and vision to serve others truly represent the power of international education.”

The 2026 scholarship recipients include:

• 1st Place – $4,000: Mahdi, Kirkwood Community College
• 2nd Place – $3,000: Sidney, LaGuardia Community College
• 3rd Place – $2,000: Mohammed, Dallas College
• 4th Place – $1,000: Rochelle Edwards, Brookdale Community College

CCID and LewerMark Student Insurance launched the Global Impact Scholarship to highlight the contributions international students bring to campuses and communities while helping ease the financial barriers many face while studying in the United States.

For Edwards, recognition reinforces her belief that education can be a powerful force for change.

“As someone who understands firsthand the challenges communities face during natural disasters, I want to use my education in nursing to advocate for better preparedness, medical support, and resources for people in need,” Edwards said.