For DonorsFor Applicants

Resilient Scholar Award

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
Apr 23, 2025
Winners Announced
May 23, 2025
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school student
Background:
Single-parent and/or guardian household

Students who work hard to fulfill their educational dreams despite life’s many challenges are a true inspiration.

Hardship is especially acute for students from single-parent households, who often are forced to be more independent due to their family circumstances. Children of single parents often face financial struggles due to relying on the income of just one parent, making it difficult to afford the costs of higher education.  

This scholarship seeks to support students who have overcome hardships in pursuing their journey to college.

Any high school student who is from a single-parent and/or guardian household and will be attending college may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us about yourself and an accomplishment, event, or realization that gave you a new understanding of yourself or others.

Selection Criteria:
Tenacity, Drive and Aspiration
Published October 2, 2024
Essay Topic

Please tell us about yourself and your upbringing in a single parent and/or guardian household. Additionally, write about an accomplishment, event, or realization that led to a new understanding of yourself or others.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Adriana Martinez-Chavez
Heritage UniversityToppenish, WA
I was born in the small town of Toppenish, Washington, and from a young age, I experienced frequent moves between schools and houses. Eventually, I settled in Toppenish and it has become my home. However, my childhood was not without its challenges. When I was younger, 3-4 years old, I almost got diagnosed with Autism because I couldn't talk, especially since I was shy. I would try to speak, but all that would come out was gibberish. This frustrated and misunderstood me, as I struggled to communicate with those around me. Thankfully, my mother took me to a Hearing & Speech Center where they told her I could talk with time. This experience taught me the value of perseverance and never giving up, even when faced with obstacles. I am the only child from my mother's side, and she has played the role of both a mother and a father in my life. While my father hasn't been around, my mother works hard to support our small family. Growing up in a low-income household, my mother works in the fields. She wakes up at 3 am to make her lunch, goes to work at 5 am, and arrives home at 7 pm exhausted, especially during the hot sun. She pays rent and sacrifices herself to provide for our family. Seeing her hard work and determination has instilled in me a strong work ethic and the importance of never taking anything for granted. One of my greatest passions is music, specifically singing. I have been a part of the Chamber Choir at my high school for four years, allowing me to express myself and connect with others through music. Being a part of this choir has improved my vocal skills and taught me the value of teamwork and collaboration. We work together to create beautiful harmonies and performances, and it has taught me the importance of supporting and uplifting others. An accomplishment that has led to a new understanding of myself and others was when I joined a community service project to help organize a toy train Christmas event. It was such a magical experience. Seeing the joy on the faces of families and children as they got to meet Santa, ride the train, and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate was truly heartwarming. We also organized a scavenger hunt, which added an extra layer of excitement and fun. It made me realize the importance of creating special moments for others and the impact that small gestures can have on bringing happiness to people's lives during the holiday season. This experience also taught me the power of community and coming together to make a positive difference in the world. Lastly, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the person who established this scholarship for students from single-parent households, including myself. As a first-generation student, I've faced numerous obstacles while pursuing my education. This scholarship would not only relieve my family's expenses but also allow me to continue my education at a four-year university. I am determined to take advantage of this opportunity and use it to advance my education and achieve my goals. Thank you so much for your time and consideration; it means the world to me.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 23, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 23, 2025.