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Healing Self and Community Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
OG Dance School for Healing Self, LLC®
$1,000
4 winners, $250 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Nov 22, 2024
Winners Announced
Dec 22, 2024
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
Race/Ethnicity:
BIPOC
Background:
Interest in changing the world through art and health promotion

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 75% of mental illnesses begin by age 24 and disproportionately affect youth of color. Mental health challenges affect countless people every day and yet many suffer in silence and aren't able to find support.

The inaccessibility of mental health care is produced by a variety of factors, such as the high financial costs of therapy or other treatment and the stigmatization of mental illness that can exacerbate feelings of isolation in BIPOC communities. All young people deserve an equal opportunity to thrive as they develop into adulthood.

This scholarship seeks to empower students to practice healthy coping mechanisms, pursue higher education, and go on to change the world.

Any BIPOC high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is interested in changing the world through art and health promotion may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us what contribution you would like to make to help mental health care become more affordable and accessible.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Scholarships for High School SeniorsScholarships for Black StudentsGraduate School ScholarshipsScholarships for MinoritiesHigh School ScholarshipsUndergraduate ScholarshipsMental Health Scholarships
Scholarships for College Students
Essay ScholarshipsCollege Students ScholarshipsScholarships for South Asian Students
Published May 12, 2024
Essay Topic

What unique contribution would you give the world to make mental health care affordable and accessible to anyone who needs support?

100–250 words

Winners and Finalists

December 2024

Finalists
Dante Maldonado
Denise Lopez
Alexa Ramani
Linda Duverne
Julia Flores
Aroun Kamara
Noah Williams
Maya Torres-Panzer
Patrick Kamdem Kamdem
Alanna Thornton
Stevie Province
Gabbie Frain
Eve McRoy
Viraj Rajpal
Bruna Rozeno Merlin
Luccin Charly Iraguha
Setareh Katibeh
Beatriz Meza Payan
Shinyce Haskins
Nadiya Wilson
Nyanna Myrick
Britney Navarro
Arianne Torio
Angelle Thomas
Liza Roychowdhury
Sophie Nguyen
nhi tran
Emerson Hackford
adaria sutton
Naomi Leyh
Hannah Berenschot
De'Asia Griffin
Riya Soni
Mariah Jenkins
Emerald May
Daniela Caro
Jodie Camba
Monica Garza
John Oduntan
Paulett Esteban
Milan Johns
Michelle Ekon
Ariana Davis
Nathan Henderson
Frida Morha
Gabrielle Rivera
Kaleb Lambert
Ian Verjat
Denvel Echols
Miranda Thomas
Madison Ellis
Anya Adame
Roxana Mousavi
Caliya Williams
Alanya Abou-Elmajd
Kayla Jenkins
mindy wang
Elizabeth Grado
Kayla Evans
Noemi Galindo Rivera
William Nunez De La O
Kayla Utter
Karina Banuelos
Andrea Diaz Buezo
Alycia Edquilang
rachel ochoa
Ernest Frimpong
Sadiya Lucas
Rylan Kyeremateng
Jazmin Leon
Allyson Haynes
Alivia Morris
Londyn Johnson
Nora Obikwelu
Brice Scott
Allison Castellanos
Dabria Dawkins
Tatiana Feaster
Mandela Okere
Kailey Kihara
Amaris Wilridge
Deneb KAMT
Sneha Thottiyil
Malik Richard
Marissa Houston
Sydney Johnson
Mckeyla Badilla
Ranniah Barlow

December 2023

Finalists
Isaiah Howard
Thomas Martin
Sunny Arnold
Mackenzie Flowers
Kennedy Donnell
Nakaila Tate
Genevieve Slaton
april nava
Selima Brown
Taciana Carroll
Sharla Rider
Daniel Castro
Valerie Igbikiowubo
Amanda (Arlo) Topete
De'Yani Dillard
Hafsa Sheikh
Quincy Franks
Kayla Brown
Anima Acharya
Jelia Farr
Kristina Olegario Loy
Clarissa Reyna
Jasmin Greene
Jessica Meza perez
Micai Thornton
Darcie Thomas
Kenonica Joseph
Safa Faheem
Allahna Johnson
Patricia Okolo
Raegan Bowen
Aaliyah Bullock
Andrew Brizan
Beatrice Asekomhe
Samiya Harragin
Nathalie Larson
Michelle Johnson
Hulda Fernandes
Drayton Jones
Samantha Odaro
Aaliyah Mitchell
Ravyn Hicks
Nana K
Alfonso Smith
Marrissa Bastien-Buie
Jada James Ogbechie
Adriane Navarro
Ebony Medina
CHLOE THOMPSON
Grace Staes
Tamara Aguetse
Ritika Senthil Kumar
Isela mendoza
Karen Perez
Djamilliah Paepke-Chile
Grace Beecher
mikaylin alston
Rosamargarita mendoza
Olivia Williams
shekinah konadu
Elise Andrews
Crystal Maoga
Chauntrell Turner
Stephanie Ortiz
Alicia Gonzalez-Gastelum
Michelle Fan
Jared Villery
Vivian Gaiko
Elijah Gonzalez
Egypt Byrd
Alyssandra Lachica
Brianna Oyeyemi
Anasofia Gallegos
Sadie Brown
Melanie McIntosh
Autumn Dixon
Kelsey Jefferson
Kaitlyn hernandez
Christy Roberson
mary adeleke
Lydia Chapman
Harmony Anthony
Courtney Roberts
Alexa Formby
Jayden Linton
Adanze Benjamin
Ayani Hashi
Mya Bogers
Jumana Ahmed
Onyinyechi Colette Charles-Azike
Jonathan Gedam
Sheba Bentum-Mensah
jasmine blake
Damon Garcia
Camila Garcia
Jada Mapp
Sophia Taveras
Damaria Ponder
Chloe Edwards
Fajr Butt
Camille Long
Hannah Hawkins
Jeremiah Lewis
Destiny Ejiofor

Winning Applications

Lia Ottinot
Jacksonville UniversityCoral Springs, FL
Cathrina Aris
SUNY at AlbanyBrooklyn, NY
When I feel overwhelmed by the weight of my public health graduate program, internships, and life itself, I remind myself of the power of community—the same community I hope to create for others. My future and the futures of those I hope to serve depend on it. Currently, in my second year of the program, I’ve learned that higher education means balancing many responsibilities. As a Residential Life Graduate Assistant and an intern at my local health department, I often feel stretched thin. But even amid burnout, I remind myself that this path is for my future. Walking on campus helps me cope, and during these walks, I listen to Balanced Black Girl, a podcast that reminds me of my purpose. My goal in my career is to develop support for young Black women. I envision creating a space for Black girls, ages 11 to 24, where they can discuss school, life, and higher education. Inspired by Balanced Black Girl, I dream of launching a podcast where participants can talk openly, rediscover their “why,” and build a community virtually and in person. It would provide a space to share frustrations, triumphs, and stories of overcoming challenges. Topics like financial literacy, mental and physical wellness, and career development—often challenging for those pursuing higher education—would equip them with the tools for success. Ultimately, mental health is about accessible spaces and resources that empower individuals to keep moving forward, helping young Black women find motivation, resilience, and community as they pursue their dreams.
Deshawn Hocker
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFREDERICKSBRG, VA
I had a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life, and my family grew increasingly concerned for my well-being. It was a difficult and trying time for me, and I often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I burned many bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It was a tough place to be in, and I felt very lost and alone. I believed that there was a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I was standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. I want to come out to show the world the real me what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my artwork and my art skills to inspire others and have them believe everything will be okay.
Alyson Brown
Columbus Alternative High SchoolColumbus, OH
As an African American girl with ADHD and anxiety, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of managing mental health. This background has equipped me with unique insights and empathy that I use to support others facing similar struggles. My friends often seek my advice on coping strategies, knowing I have developed effective techniques for managing mental health issues. I strive to create a judgment-free environment where people feel safe discussing their mental health, offering a listening ear and practical support. My goal is to continue this support on a larger scale through a career in Psychology or Neuroscience. By deeply understanding how the brain works, I aim to develop innovative and effective mental health care solutions. I envision working in clinical settings, research, and community programs, advocating for mental health awareness and reducing stigma. To make mental health care more affordable and accessible, I plan to develop community-based programs that offer low-cost or free services. These programs would include workshops, support groups, and educational resources, helping individuals manage their mental health proactively. Additionally, I aim to leverage technology to create online platforms providing remote support and resources, making mental health care accessible regardless of location or financial status. Receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in achieving these goals, enabling me to focus on my education and gain the necessary expertise. With this support, I am determined to make a positive impact on the mental health community, ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.
Natalie Hernandez
West Texas A & M UniversitySan Angelo, TX
When I was a junior in high school, I remember leaving for spring break on a sunny Friday afternoon. In a blink of an eye, my week of spring break turned into a year of isolation. The 2020 pandemic hit many people hard. Every day when we turned on the news, it felt like one catastrophe after another. The pandemic took a lot away from me and my high school experience, but it also taught me the importance of prioritizing mental health. This realization influenced me to pursue a degree in music therapy. Myself and many others turned to the arts for comfort during isolation and after that experience, I knew there could never be enough music and art in the world. Music therapy is a unique kind of therapy because it relies on music to address the needs of the patient. Music therapy has been proven to help those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other kinds of mental disorders. Music therapists have always had to advocate for their clients because they cannot always do it for themselves and I am prepared to advocate for the rest of my professional career. I truly believe everyone deserves to be helped without having to worry about what financial problems may follow. I am devoted to helping my future clients and making mental health care a right instead of a luxury.
Ty Coleman
Syracuse UniversityBoston, MA
As a Rising Senior in college, I have had the opportunity to create a men of color organization on my campus that is dedicated to prioritizing men's mental health and healthy forms of manhood. The reason I decided to start this group is because it is extremely important that the BIPOC community starts to focus on mental health. Men Assertively Manifesting Bold Alliances (MAMBA) strives to create unity among men of color on our campus so we can become the best versions of ourselves through one another. This means we need to be able to be okay with being vulnerable and also know when we need help and how to pursue it. With 80 percent of therapists being white, it is extremely difficult to find one who looks like you, which is why it's crucial to have a support system and community of people who share similar experiences as you. So many men in this world are not taught that being vulnerable and showing your feelings is acceptable, so many of us have grown up most, and sometimes all of our lives with a hard shell and very stoic. So, with a group like MAMBA, I know it will have a positive impact on our community and make men feel more comfortable reaching out for help. While MAMBA may not directly make mental health care affordable or accessible, It will transform young men of color into men who are not afraid to reach out for help when they need it.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Nov 22, 2024. Winners will be announced on Dec 22, 2024.