For DonorsFor Applicants

Theresa Lord Future Leader Scholarship

Funded by
$1,450
2 winners, $725 each
Open
Application Deadline
Apr 1, 2025
Winners Announced
May 1, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Must be a high school senior or undergraduate student
Race:
Must be African American or of Caribbean descent

Theresa Lord was a beloved mother and grandmother with a big heart and sharp mind. She was born in the late 1920’s, a Trinidadian, lived to the age of 92. In all of her years on a small island and decades more in the United States, she believed the best way to succeed for a Black person was an education.

The mother of 7 children, grandmother to 30 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren she believed in having a strong faith in God and belief in yourself. Her wealth was measured in love and adoration from family and friends.

It was important to Theresa to attend the graduations of all of her grandchildren, an important milestone she wanted to witness.

This scholarship seeks to support an African American student or a student of Caribbean descent so they can fulfill their destiny.

Any African American or Caribbean-descended high school senior or undergraduate student pursuing a four-year degree may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, tell us about yourself, your goals, an obstacle you faced, and what that experience taught you.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published August 6, 2024
Essay Topic

Tell us about you and your educational goals. What's an obstacle you faced in your life, and what did you learn from that experience?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Nariba Cintron
CUNY Brooklyn CollegeBrooklyn, NY
Elda Abayneh
Cornell UniversityAurora, CO
A simple gold wedding ring sits on my finger, but within its presence lies a vitalizing, multifaceted narrative. The ring transports me to Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, 1999. My sweet mother smiles; her new ring shimmers as the beaming sun radiates upon her calm face. Becoming a Christian in an anti-Protestant society, she faced immense injustices as her father strived to kill her. Disowned by her family, she was left with a ring, a visa, and $500. While fleeing to the land of the free, fear gripped her mind as she pondered her circumstances: “Am I qualified to live in a new land?” Tears escaped from her eyes as she examined the dimming ring on her finger. However, as she took her first steps onto American soil, determination implanted within her heart. Though struggling to learn English, my mother became a US citizen and completed college. While raising two headstrong babies, she accomplished her dreams of becoming a nurse. She took the coal given to her and transformed it into a gleaming diamond. She had finally accomplished the American dream. Sixteen years after her transition, it is now 2014 in Aurora, Colorado. My mother sits me down inside of our brightly-lit home. My 10 year-old-eyes widened as she pulled off the wedding ring from her finger and slid it onto mine. She whispered, “This is why I came to America.” As I heard her story, my ears tingled with fascination. Gazing at my mother, I saw courage flicker beyond her brown eyes. Looking down at the stunning ring, I wondered: “Can I mirror the courageous tenacity my mother had formed?”Frightened by this confrontation, I resorted to isolation as my slight stutter and Ethiopian accent hindered my speaking abilities. Unknowingly, the seeds of curiosity germinated within my heart. As I continued to wear my ring, I allowed myself to explore my range of courage. When asked to lead worship and teach bible studies at my local church, I felt the roots of dauntlessness tug on my heart. I taught and led worship for three years and helped others experience the freedom of worship. As my mother’s bravery, endurance, and tenacity influenced my actions, I hoped to carry forward this impact into other children’s lives as I poured into service. Energized, I stepped into leadership roles within my community. I joined the Aurora Police Department’s Chief’s Youth Advisory Team, where I communicated with Chief Wilson and her team. I gained their perspective about police brutality and the efforts they take to decrease its presence. In an interview, I voiced my beliefs, reaching 6,000 people nationwide. I met with the Aurora mayor and discussed my viewpoints with the Arapahoe District Attorney. As I learned from my mother’s dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism, I allowed the roots of these qualities to sprout into a fruitful tree in me. Though the seeds of these qualities were small, they grew as I impacted my nation; I sought to give back to the nation that has given me so much. Throughout my life, I will continue to reflect upon the ring that writes my own narrative.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Apr 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on May 1, 2025.