Our Story
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elle kares was created from a place of lived experience and genuine compassion. As a former young single mother, I understand what it feels like to struggle, to need support, and to not always know where to turn. Those years shaped me. They taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of having a community that cares.
elle kares is my way of turning those lessons into action.
I built this foundation to create a simple, accessible path for people to help one another. When we combine resources—no matter how small—they become the kind of support that can ease a burden, restore hope, or change the course of someone’s day.
Our mission is straightforward: make giving easier, make impact visible, and make sure no one feels forgotten when life becomes overwhelming.
P.O. Box 769
Ruston, LA 71273
Hello! My name is elle kayson. I am proud to announce the second annual Arielle Jhade Gray Memorial Scholarship in memory of my beloved granddaughter. As a creative fiction writer and former professor from North Louisiana, I’m passionate about the power of storytelling to connect people and spark inspiration. I’ve seen firsthand how stories can open doors to new perspectives and encourage young minds to explore their talents. With this scholarship, I aim to nurture the next generation of storytellers by challenging them to reflect on the importance of accessibility in everyday life through the art of fiction.
The scholarship offers $1,000 to a student who demonstrates both academic dedication (a minimum GPA of 3.0) and creative potential. Applicants must submit a brief fictional work of no more than 1,500 words that emphasizes the importance of accessibility in our daily interactions and shared experiences. Accessibility means a person with a disability is afforded the opportunity to acquire the same information, engage in the same interactions, and enjoy the same services as a person without a disability. Whether through characters, settings, or themes, these stories should celebrate the unique contributions that come from embracing differently-abled people and creating a world that is more open and accessible to us all. I hope this scholarship not only supports a young writer’s educational journey but inspires them to use their voice to build a more inclusive and empathetic world.
Once the scholarship is awarded, you must provide proof of acceptance to an accredited college or university. An initial award of $500 will be made to the student. Then, please submit proof of the student’s enrollment no later than August 14, 2026, to the address or email above. elle kayson enterprises will mail scholarship funds directly to the recipient’s school to be applied to the fall semester.
Application deadline is April 3, 2026.
Please submit the following for consideration:
Cumulative (seven semester) high school transcript
ACT or SAT scores
Your typed essay (see guidelines above), double spaced with at least a 12-pt font
Please see your counselor for submission details.
elle kayson
elle kayson enterprises
About
elle kayson
elle kayson is an Amazon best-selling author known for her work in Urban and African American Women’s Fiction and Romance. Born and raised in Louisiana, she has always carried a strong commitment to community and a deep belief in giving back.
Before her success as a writer, elle was a young single mother navigating the challenges of providing, surviving, and searching for support in moments when help felt out of reach. Those experiences shaped her compassion and fueled her dedication to serving individuals and families who face similar struggles.
elle created elle kares as a simple, accessible way for people to come together and support one another. Her mission is grounded in the idea that collective generosity—no matter the size—can ease burdens, restore hope, and change someone’s day or even the direction of their life.
Through the foundation, she continues her lifelong commitment to uplifting her community and making sure no one feels alone in their hardest moments.
