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Unlock Your Future Now
If you are between ten and twenty years old and part of the Turnipseed or Turner family, you can apply for our travel and scholarship programs. We celebrate our shared cultural heritage and honor the ancestors who paved the way, while helping you grow as a confident, empowered leader at home and around the world.
Our Mission
The Mattie Mae and Carrie Lee Foundation is funded directly by the descendants of Mattie Mae Turner Searcy and Carrie Lee Turner Champion and managed by the Searcy family. Our funding model is designed for long-term stability, with a $500 annual monetary award shared between age groups and a fully funded biannual domestic or international trip opportunity for teens up to age twenty. As our youth participation grows, we welcome additional support from family and friends to expand our impact.
Our Programs
We prioritize the development of our youth by offering programs that reflect the values of Mattie Mae Turner Searcy and Carrie Lee Turner Champion. Our initiatives provide a $500 yearly grant for educational advancement and a prestigious biennial travel scholarship for ages 10 to 20, fostering global citizenship and ancestral pride. This family-funded financial structure is designed to sustain these awards and travel opportunities for future generations to come.
Academic Excellence
Targeted financial gifts for students pursuing higher education and specialized skill development.
Global Travel
Biannual travel experiences designed to foster cultural exchange and global perspective.
Youth Leadership
Workshops and mentorship programs focused on personal growth and community service.
Begin Your Journey
Eligibility & Requirements: Teens and young adults ages 10–20 from the Turnipseed and Turner family lines may apply. Travel applicants must love learning, have at least a 2.5 GPA, be active in school, and submit a short essay, recommendation, and valid travel documents. Monetary program applicants must attend reunions, keep a 2.5 GPA, and complete a short “Importance of Family” essay with support from family if needed. If you prefer to mail your application, send it to: 58 Timberidge Drive, Lake Wylie, SC 29710.
