About
The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation was born from both lived experience and unwavering belief: that brilliance can bloom in even the harshest environments. Founded by Andrea Norwood Walton, a former teen mom who earned her GED and went on to become a C-suite executive, this foundation is rooted in resilience, equity, and global impact. We invest in underrepresented students—especially young women of color—by providing scholarships, mentorship, and access to education. What sets us apart is our personal connection to the journey. This isn’t charity—it’s solidarity. We exist to remove barriers, build bridges, and help the next generation rise, fully rooted and in full bloom.
We believe all women can embrace who they are,
can define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation exists to empower underrepresented students—especially young women of color—through education, mentorship, and opportunity. We partner with communities and institutions across South Africa, the U.S., and beyond to remove systemic barriers, invest in brilliance, and help young people rise from challenging circumstances into lives of purpose and impact. We don’t just support education—we cultivate transformation.
Our Vision
To create a global ecosystem where underrepresented students—especially young women—have the resources, mentorship, and community support to pursue higher education and transform their futures. Within five years, the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation aims to award $1 million annually in scholarships, expand into South America and additional African countries, and establish long-term partnerships with universities and high schools across underserved communities. Our vision is bold because our belief is unshakable: every rose deserves the right to bloom.