For DonorsFor Applicants

Powering The Future - Whiddon Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$5,000
1 winner$5,000
Open
Application Deadline
Jan 25, 2025
Winners Announced
Feb 25, 2025
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Field of Study:
STEM
Education Level:
High school, undergraduate, or graduate student
Background:
Financial need

On February 24th, 2024, Richard and Rebecca Whiddon both lost their lives after being struck by an intoxicated driver. 

Richard and Rebecca were beloved friends and brilliant people. Rebecca was a project engineering manager working on projects with lithium-ion batteries for aerospace use and received her Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry at the young age of just twenty-five. Richard was a biomedical CNC machinist and programmer. He loved spending his free time using 3D printing to create new devices to make daily tasks easier. 

Despite facing various challenges throughout their lives, both Rebecca and Richard worked incredibly hard to further their skills and help share their knowledge with others. 

This scholarship aims to honor Richard and Rebecca Whiddon's memories by supporting students who will carry on their light.

Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student with financial need who is majoring in a STEM field and has overcome adversity may apply for this scholarship opportunity.

To apply, submit a short essay or video telling us about the adversity you have overcome, how this has impacted your educational journey, and why you’re passionate about pursuing STEM.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Need
Published August 30, 2024
Essay Topic

What sort of adversity have you overcome and how has this impacted your educational journey thus far? Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in STEM? What are your financial circumstances as you pursue higher education and how will this scholarship support you as you achieve your goals?

0–600 words

Winning Application

Alexis Frye
Bristol-Plymouth Vocational TechnicalFreetown, MA

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jan 25, 2025. Winners will be announced on Feb 25, 2025.