Mattie's Way Memorial Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
May 30, 2024
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
Field of Study:
Psychology and/or counseling
States:
West Virginia, Georgia, or Alabama
Education Level:
Field of Study:
States:
High school senior or undergraduate student
Psychology and/or counseling
West Virginia, Georgia, or Alabama

Matthew “Mattie” Wilmoth was a beloved son who struggled for years with anxiety and depression. 

Despite seeming to be doing well after seeking help, Matt kept many of his feelings to himself and took his life at the age of seventeen on June 16th, 2022. While awareness and resources for mental health have been improving recently, there is still a significant stigma around mental illness that prevents many people from getting the help they need. 

This scholarship aims to raise awareness of mental health issues so that those struggling are able to access the help they need to keep fighting so they can one day thrive. 

Any high school senior or undergraduate student in West Virginia, Georgia, or Alabama, who is majoring in psychology and/or counseling, a field Matt was interested in, may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about yourself and why you’re passionate about psychology.

Selection Criteria:
Impact, Drive, Awareness
Published February 29, 2024
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
May 30, 2024
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

Please tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are passionate about psychology.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Jesse Collings
Georgia State UniversityStonecrest, GA
As someone who has personally struggled with anxiety and depression, I am deeply passionate about psychology and the impact it can have on mental health. I have seen firsthand the stigma surrounding mental illness and the barriers that prevent individuals from seeking help. That's why I am applying for the Mattie Wilmoth Memorial Scholarship, to not only honor Mattie's legacy but also to raise awareness about mental health issues and support those who are struggling. Growing up, I often felt like I had to hide my struggles with anxiety and depression from others. It wasn't until I took a psychology class in high school that I realized the importance of seeking help and the role that therapy and medication can play in managing mental health. From that point on, I became fascinated with the field of psychology and the ways in which it can improve people's lives As someone who is passionate about psychology, I believe that mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. I have always been interested in learning about the human mind, emotions, and behaviors. My fascination with psychology began in high school when I took a psychology class, and it has only grown since then. One of the things that drew me to psychology is its broad scope, which covers topics such as clinical psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology, to name a few. Each subfield offers a unique perspective on the human experience, and I find it fascinating to explore the connections between them. As a student pursuing a degree in psychology, I hope to use my education to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I have always been interested in working with people and providing them with support, and I believe that studying psychology will allow me to do so in a meaningful way. In particular, I am interested in pursuing a career in counseling to help individuals struggling with mental health issues. Unfortunately, mental health issues are often stigmatized in our society, which can prevent people from seeking the help they need. I believe that this scholarship can play a crucial role in raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. By encouraging students to pursue a degree in psychology and counseling, we can ensure that more people have access to the help they need. In addition to my academic interests, I am also passionate about mental health advocacy. I have participated in several events and organizations that raise awareness about mental health issues, and I believe that it is crucial to have open and honest conversations about mental health. By speaking out and sharing our experiences, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create a more supportive and understanding community. In conclusion, I am honored to apply for the Mattie Wilmoth Memorial Scholarship. As someone who is passionate about psychology and mental health advocacy, I believe that this scholarship can make a significant impact in raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. If awarded this scholarship, I will use it to continue pursuing my education and advocating for mental health awareness.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 30, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jun 30, 2024.