Who Can Apply:
- Leaving or considering leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith can be a transformative and challenging experience. For many, it involves significant personal, social, and emotional adjustments and sacrifices. Jehovah’s Witnesses are often discouraged from pursuing higher education due to their belief that it may lead to worldly influences, distract from their religious duties, and is unnecessary given the imminent arrival of God’s Kingdom. Unfortunately, this position has left many members of their flock living as the working poor.
- Many former Jehovah’s Witnesses do not have family support or the financial resources to pursue higher education. The cost of tuition, textbooks, supplies, and living expenses makes it difficult for the average student to afford a degree without outside help, whether in the form of scholarships or student loans.
- This scholarship seeks to assist former Jehovah’s Witnesses with higher education costs.
- Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who is a former Jehovah’s Witness may apply for this scholarship.
Submission: To apply, write a short essay or submit a short video in response to the prompt below.
1. Reasons for Leaving: What specific factors or experiences led you to leave or consider leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses? How did these factors influence your decision?
2. Personal Growth: How have you evolved or do you hope to evolve as an individual since leaving or contemplating leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses? What personal values or beliefs have you developed or are you developing?
3. Support Systems: Who or what has been or will be most supportive during your transition or decision? How did or will these support systems contribute to your success and well-being?
Deadline: December 1, 2024
Amount: $1,050
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/make-your-truth-your-own-scholarship/