Internationally acclaimed actor and cultural icon Oliver Samuels C.D. has announced the official launch of the Oliver Samuels Foundation, a global non-profit dedicated to advancing access to post-secondary education for youth of Caribbean heritage. The foundation will be formally inaugurated on November 4, 2025, at The Arlington Estate in Vaughan, Ontario, coinciding with Samuels’ birthday.
With a career spanning over five decades, Samuels has captivated audiences worldwide while elevating Caribbean culture through stage, screen, and social advocacy. The new foundation marks a significant chapter in his legacy, aiming to dismantle financial barriers and provide mentorship to students ready to lead, create, and serve.
The foundation will provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities to students of Caribbean descent pursuing higher education in Jamaica, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and across the Caribbean diaspora. Among the first recognized partner institutions is the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston, Jamaica, known for its excellence in the arts and cultural significance.
“This Foundation is my way of giving back so that no student with promise and passion is left behind,” said Samuels. “We see you, we believe in you, and we are here to help you rise to be the best you can be.”
Key initiatives of the Oliver Samuels Foundation include:
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Annual Scholarships covering tuition and academic costs for students enrolled in accredited colleges, universities, and creative institutions, including Edna Manley College and Toronto Metropolitan University School of Performing Arts.
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A five-year MOU with Toronto Metropolitan University School of Performing Arts to support performing arts education.
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Mentorship and Leadership Circles, providing ongoing guidance from accomplished professionals and cultural leaders across the diaspora.
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Global Accessibility, ensuring support reaches students in the Caribbean, Canada, the U.S., U.K., and beyond.
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The foundation’s launch gala will bring together business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and admirers worldwide to honor Samuels’ enduring legacy and raise funds for its first class of scholars. Tickets are available at oliversamuelsfoundation.com.
