The City of Miami Gardens and the nonprofit Workforce Readiness Advancement & Placement (W.R.A.P.) have launched a new scholarship to honor the life and legacy of 21-year-old Mekhi Tariq Hoosein-Quiles, who tragically lost his life in July 2024.
The Mekhi Tariq Hoosein-Quiles Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by Miami Gardens Councilwoman Linda Julien and will award two $2,500 scholarships to local college students studying Culinary Arts, Tourism, and Hospitality Management at St. Thomas University (STU). The scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for students while uplifting Mekhi’s memory by helping others pursue the same dreams he once had.
“This scholarship represents a lasting opportunity to support and empower the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry while honoring the memory and legacy of Mekhi,” said Councilwoman Julien in a press release. “Mekhi’s life, though cut short, continues to inspire and make a lasting impact on our community.”
Mekhi was a participant in the W.R.A.P. program, a local nonprofit that empowers underserved youth ages 16-25 by providing career readiness training and job placement opportunities. He had just been accepted into STU’s School of Culinary Arts, Tourism & Hospitality Management when his life was tragically cut short. His passion for hospitality and his drive to succeed are now the foundation for this scholarship, which aims to open doors for other Miami Gardens students with similar aspirations.
The $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to two third-year students currently enrolled in the CATHM program at STU and expected to graduate in Spring 2026. The funds will go directly to the university to assist with tuition.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must attend the 1st Annual Mekhi Hoosein-Quiles Scholarship Legacy Brunch on May 25, 2025
- Must be a Miami Gardens resident between the ages of 17–25
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Must be enrolled in the CATHM program at STU
How to Apply
Applications open Tuesday, April 1, 2025, and close Thursday, May 1, 2025. Recipients will be announced on May 9, 2025.
To apply, visit: https://qrco.de/bfrKAQ
For questions or more info, contact: Marlyn Paris-Lawson Executive Director, WRAP at (786) 699-1604 or by emailing admin@wrapwins.org.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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