Who Can Apply:
- Erica Payne was a beloved friend whose life was cut short due to unhealthy relationships with men.
- Growing up in the rural Midwest, girls are taught from a young age to seek validation by putting a man at the center of their focus. Erica struggled through countless difficult relationships with men that put her and her children in significant danger. She was more scared of being alone than she was of leaving the abuse. Escaping violent or toxic relationships can be difficult and may even feel impossible. Providing more resources can show women that there are many opportunities for futures outside of romantic relationships and can help strengthen self-esteem.
- This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Erica Payne by supporting women who are seeking higher education in an effort to have the confidence to walk a path all on their own.
- Any low-income, female high school senior or individual who received their high school diploma in the last seven years may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years old, if they’re a resident of a Midwest state, and if they will attend college or trade school.
Submission: To apply, tell us about yourself, how your life has been, what obstacles you’re facing, and what your goals are. Additionally, upload a photo in which you feel the most like yourself.
Deadline: April 17, 2027
Amount: $500
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/erica-payne-memorial-scholarship/