ESOF Academic Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
2 winners, $500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 1, 2023
Winners Announced
Sep 1, 2023
Education Level
High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Race:
African American
GPA:
3.0 or higher
Institution of Interest:
An HBCU
Education Level:
Race:
GPA:
Institution of Interest:
High school senior
African American
3.0 or higher
An HBCU

African American students still face many barriers when pursuing higher education and often find the most resources and opportunities at HBCUs.

The brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, the Eleven Shades of Fate, Beta Omicron Chapter, Tennessee State University have come together to create this scholarship opportunity for underrepresented high school students. 

This scholarship seeks to support minority students who need monetary support to pursue higher education at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). 

Any African American high school senior with a 3.0 GPA or higher who is interested in attending an HBCU may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, tell us about your future goals and about your commitment to public or civic service.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published May 18, 2023
$1,000
2 winners, $500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 1, 2023
Winners Announced
Sep 1, 2023
Education Level
High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

What are your educational and professional goals? Also, please describe your commitment to civic or public service.

500–1000 words

Winning Applications

Lawrence Nalls
Morehouse CollegeChicago, IL
Growing up in the inner city of Chicago, I have seen the impact of generational poverty, witnessed trauma, witnessed the deaths of far too many youths my age and younger and the egregious crimes committed by juveniles. The uprise in suicides among teens and young adults is an indication of the need for mental health services. I am surprised and sadden to learn that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults in the United States of America. It is also difficult to process the number of teens and young adults who have thought about suicide or have attempted suicide. I am very fortunate to not personally know anyone who has attempted suicide or who has died from suicide. However, I do know that the alarming rate of teen and young adult suicides has caused this to be a mental health crisis. Having a younger brother with Down Syndrome has caused me to see life through different lenses. Making this adjustment required time, and a lot of understanding and education about his diagnosis. This was not always easy. I’ve grown to understand that when a person has a disability it’s not the end of the world. Disabilities do not define who a person is or what they will become. A disability simply means a person might need additional resources, support, patience, advocacy, and understanding. Depending on a person’s disability, they can achieve goals and have a meaningful life when given a fair opportunity. A disability does not mean a person should be counted out or cast aside. These things have caused me to be passionate about helping youth and families that are in situations beyond their control and advocating for people with disabilities and those who are not empowered to advocate for themselves. As I watched my mom advocate on my brother’s behalf, I learned that advocating is needed in this world and how it can and should be done. These things have inspired me to pursue my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Morehouse College in August 2023. After graduating from Morehouse, I will continue my education to become a licensed clinical psychologist. I will then return to my community to provide trauma-sensitive counseling to youth and families. After college, my immediate goal is to return to my community, provide trauma-sensitive counseling to youth and families, and advocate for those in need. My long-term goal is to ultimately, open a Christian-based youth center. The center will emphasize violence prevention and provide mentoring, tutoring, counseling, sports, and other character-building activities. It will have a healthcare component that will provide dietary and mental health services. The center will also provide educational and supportive services to people with disabilities, along with resources and advocacy. I believe that public service is very important. Through public service, the community can work together, and we can create and impact change. There is strength in numbers and when public servants work with the community, we can empower and support one another. I want my legacy to be that through public service and community building, I impacted positive change, growth, and development. I believe leadership and service go hand in hand. To whom much is given, much is required.
Juliana Phillips-Acie
Spelman CollegeATLANTA, GA
I decided to pursue a degree in Computer Science because of my passion for increasing representation of minorities and women in technology. When I researched the demographics and spoke with Black people studying computer science or working in the field I was disappointed to realize the lack of diversity in Computer Science. Of 2021 college graduates with a degree in Computer Science, only 8% were Black and 2% were Black women (National Center for Education Statistics). In Computer Science, diversity and inclusion is more important today than ever considering how much the technology industry is evolving on a daily basis. People from all different backgrounds use technology, so the people making the technology should reflect the diversity of the users. Otherwise, the technology will not be accessible to all or reflect the needs and preferences of different people. Being apart of Gen Z, who uses technology significantly more than other generations, we are the future of the industry. Facial recognition is a prime example of the need for diversity to ensure its algorithmic fairness. I am committed to increasing representation of people of color in the science and technology field to promote a more inclusive future. Furthermore, interdisciplinary study of mathematics and computer science is of particular interest to me as I enjoy using computer programming to solve mathematical equations. In my Computer Science courses I have learned about exciting, innovative ways I can apply my skills to improve everyday life. I am passionate about increasing diversity and promoting inclusion in the technology sector during my career and have begun this effort by promoting Computer Science education in my high school. I was elected Secretary of the Computer Science Honor Society which is a service-driven organization. As the only African American in the organization, it has been important to me to encourage engagement in our events and Computer Science courses. I have dedicated significant time to planning educational events such as the Computer Science Carnival where I taught students basic Python programming and demonstrated how it can be used to develop interactive tools. I planned a STEM night alongside our Women in STEM club leaders. We held an open house where we exposed students to code through a Python-powered online scavenger hunt where students employed commands to locate the hidden prize. Because of our organization’s efforts, we have raised awareness of the importance of Computer Science education and careers in technology so that we as students in southwestern Pennsylvania feel economically empowered to enter today’s economy. As an African-American girl with no mentors in a STEM profession, I have had to overcome unique obstacles in the pursuit of an education in Computer Science. No one in my immediate family has pursued a career in STEM, so I have to carve my own path. I have had to be resourceful and resilient, and I am proud of how I have risen to the challenge of serving as a trailblazer in my school and community. This summer, I attended Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Scholars Program studying college-level Computer Science and Mathematics. Learning in a diverse environment for the first time was empowering to me and gave me the confidence to pursue a major in Computer Science. Having benefited from this program inspired me to want to increase similar opportunities for people of color. People from all different backgrounds use technology, so the people making the technology should reflect the diversity of the users. I am utterly committed to increasing the representation of people of color in the science and technology field to promote a more inclusive future. As a varsity cheerleader for my high school I have served as a leader in my community volunteering to support numerous initiatives. I managed a game booth at our local fair, SummerFest, for three summers as well as served as a staff member at my community's Christmas event, Christmas in the Park. I have volunteer coached six to twelve-year-old junior cheerleaders since freshman year when I initially joined the junior varsity cheerleading squad. I have contributed annually to the Toys for Tots initiative as well as volunteered to support the Breast Cancer Awareness Color Run. As a member of the Girls Leadership Association, I helped arrange a blood drive for women with breast cancer and other illnesses that need blood transfusions to survive. Through National Honor Society, I coordinated and participated in our annual powderpuff football game, having played on both the junior and senior football teams. The proceeds from the event were donated to four different charities including the Make-a-Wish foundation for which our high school has been recognized nationally as one of the organization's cumulatively largest high school donors. Ultimately, at university I plan to major in Computer Science with a minor in Business in hopes of obtaining a job as a Product Manager at a top technology company. With this being the goal, I hope as an African-American woman to write history and bring others along who are not as included in the technology industry.
Kennedy Arch
Spelman CollegeHuntsville, AL
My ultimate career goal is to practice medicine, with a focus on providing quality care for marginalized communities. To achieve this goal, key objectives include completing healthcare internships throughout high school and college; completing a pre-med degree in biology or biochemistry; and surviving and graduating from medical school in 2030, all while continuing to support my local community. While I have not narrowed my career goal to a specific field of medicine, I am currently interested in learning more about surgery, neuroscience, and oncology. To help narrow my focus and to have a better understanding of the various fields of medicine, I have completed multiple summer programs and internships. Specifically, every summer in high-school, I completed a medical program. Despite being a bit shy, in 2019 I attended a two-week, on-campus program at Vanderbilt University where I attended medical classes; participated in seminars on neurosurgery; and completed hands-on medical procedures, including suturing. Because I thrived at Vanderbilt, in 2020 I applied for and was accepted into Georgetown’s summer medical program; unfortunately, the format was changed to virtual because of Covid, but it was far too expensive for a virtual format! I did not let Covid win, so I attended a less expensive, virtual medical camp provided by Auburn University where I attended medical-focused classes and seminars led by doctors. Finally, in 2021 I completed an on-campus program focused on emergency medicine at Auburn where I attended medical classes; networked with nurses and doctors to understand their experiences; and completed basic, hands-on medical techniques. I also obtained the medical certifications in Health & Safety Institute Emergency Medical Response (EMR) and American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS). These summer programs are significant because they provided opportunities to learn more about medical careers, more about myself, including my strengths and weaknesses, and more about medical school. Overall, these programs demonstrate my determination to succeed at becoming a physician – but not just any physician. While some students want to become a doctor for the money, for me, it is more than that, and I realized this during several internships at outpatient medical facilities. I have seen first-hand how patients are poorly treated. Specifically, I have seen medical assistants bully children for having uncontrollable issues. I have witnessed nurses violating The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and being unsanitary. I will be better than these experiences. I am determined to succeed at becoming a physician that provides quality care to the most vulnerable in our society. Achieving a degree in biology or biochemistry by 2026 is another objective to help me achieve my career goal. Because I want to be challenged intellectually and socially, I have decided to attended Spelman College. The academic rigor of Spelman will prepare me for medical school in 2030. After completing my undergraduate degree – with at least a 3.7 grade point average – I plan to apply to a competitive list of medical schools, including Howard University, Vanderbilt University, and Harvard University. I believe it is a moral imperative to help others, which is a key factor for my desire to enter the medical field. Providing goodwill to a neighbor provides me a sense of purpose, a feeling that I have done my small part to uplift others. To this end, I have completed approximately 840 hours of community service to date. Key projects include being a cheerleading camp coach and participating in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s fundraisers and community service projects. I not only serve as the captain of the Madison Academy varsity cheer team, but I have also served for four years as a Madison Academy elementary cheerleaders’ camp coach and team leader. At camp, I teach my cohort of girls how to perform cheers, dances, and stunts for six hours per day, five days a week. I have enjoyed training, mentoring, and challenging my young girls; I love their energy to learn! I believe it is important to encourage children to believe in themselves, to work hard, to work together, and to have fun while doing so. One example of my impact with the girls deals with self-esteem. Even the most modest cheer outfits can be revealing, and with many of the girls starting puberty and dealing with the resulting body changes and unrealistic beauty expectations, I had to dig deep, using my own experiences with self-hate of my appearance, to uplift and boost the confidence of a one of my girls. It is not easy, but I hope they carry the time spent with me and my encouraging words with them as they continue their cheer journey. Additionally, the team is always well prepared to cheer on the school’s sports team and to rally spectators in the stands. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as a coach and team leader! In addition to volunteering as a cheer coach, I have had the pleasure of completing approximately 250 hours of service with the Rho Chi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, including donating shoes, clothes, and hygiene products to girls in the local community. With the sorority, I have also supported backpack fundraisers for less fortunate kids for back-to-school campaigns, and I have raised over $6,000 for historically black college and universities (HBCU) scholarships, which is very important to me, not only because I support HBCUs, but also because I plan to attend one. Completing and leading service projects with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority has taught me to be thankful for everything that I have, even the smallest of things. I would be honored to win the ESOF scholarship, which will help support my career goal of becoming a physician, with a focus on reducing health care inequities in marginalized communities. Thank you for your consideration!
Samuel Thomas
Johnson C Smith UniversityDurham, NC
Throughout my High School years, I have dreamed about being an entrepreneur and building a lasting business. I want success so much that I took what I learned from my business classes and my family and started my own Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) and began running my own business my sophomore year. Not only did I start my business, but it has also grown and been profitable enough that I have not had to work a traditional part time job. I am confident that I will be successful, but I also understand that having a higher education can improve my skill set, allow me to become more well-rounded, as well as open more doors for me and those behind me. I try to thrive inside and outside the classroom. So far I have been successful with maintaining a 3.51 GPA (even through all the shut down and virtual learning hurdles). Higher education has become important to me because I want to learn how the successful built their legacies. I have a passion for graphic design, and I know that Johnson C. Smith University is the place for me to learn more about that field. I took my first course pertaining to graphic design in 9th grade, at Hillside High School, using the basics of Photoshop. Ever since that class, I have taken Career and Technical Education courses to learn more about technology and art. I still use Adobe Suite to make logos, flyers, album covers and more as a hobby. The opportunity to take more challenging educational courses at Johnson C. Smith will enhance my skills and make me more marketable when I expand my business into designing streetwear. My goal is to bring my client’s visions to life. I also want to make affordable clothing for people who want a “designer” look without having to spend “designer” money. In today’s market, one style is not for everyone. While having a variety of styles, you have to also offer quality while making sure your price meets the demand of your market. I also know personally, a lot of other people are like me and want clothes that don’t look cheap but aren’t so marked up. My decision to attend Johnson C. Smith, a Historically Black College and University came naturally. Most of family have attended and received degrees from HBCU’s from all over the country. The confidence they consistently show along with the continued success they have experienced makes me believe that I can have the same success. It is also important to me to be at a university where the culture speaks to me. I want to be in a place where I am in classes and with students who look like me. I also look forward to the student life that only a HBCU can give (Homecoming)! HBCU’s have thrived and developed some of the strongest networking opportunities. For me to succeed and eventually help others, I knew that the culture and network of an HBCU would be the best and most affordable option. A lot of my growth has come from being involved in sports, organizations and social groups. I am currently a brother of the Theta Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc Gamma Chapter. I joined this organization in Spring of 2020, and I currently hold the leadership position of Treasurer. Theta Phi Psi is a brotherhood and community service organization. We serve our community as well as our school. I have helped to organize, plan and participate in community functions such as serving at nursing homes, feeding the homeless, cooking and preparing food for families at the Ronald McDonald house, as well as various community cleanup efforts and mentorship programs. We love to give back to our community. A lot of African American males at my school are often easily influenced to go down a bad path, and for a lot of us joining Theta has changed our life for the better. Our advisor helps us every day to help us become better men in our society. A person’s dreams are important. Sacrifice is important. My parents have sacrificed time, money, energy and love to help me reach my dreams. And yes, my parents have sacrificed some of their dreams to help me excel at mine. Currently, the affordability of a higher education becomes a tall hurdle. I have seen my parents work to pay back college loans and debts. They shared with me for years, that is their hope and desire that I can go to college without taking on crippling and lasting debt. That is why I have worked so hard to find success and opportunities to have my educational expenses covered. As I stated before, I know I will be successful. I will reach my dreams, and I hope to reach them your support. Higher education will offer me the chance to become even more well-rounded. Higher education with the support of the ESOF Academic Scholarship will give me a chance to engage with people from all over that can challenge me to think outside the box. It will also give me opportunities for educational and personal growth through challenging and hopefully fun courses. Lastly, an affordable higher education is an opportunity to impact my community as an African American male allowing me to help others along the way.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 1, 2023. Winners will be announced on Sep 1, 2023.

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