Who Can Apply:
- Our dad, Dinakara Rao, was a resilient father, mentor, and leader who embodied the spirit of self-determination. In his youth, he took the courageous and difficult step of running away from home specifically to pursue the education that he knew was the key to his future.
- Despite the immense challenges and personal sacrifices he faced as he navigated the world on his own, Dinakara never wavered in his pursuit of knowledge. Through sheer grit and tireless hard work, he excelled in his studies and earned a degree in engineering. His professional journey was marked by steady upward mobility, eventually retiring as the Vice President of a private company. Beyond his professional success, Dinakara was defined by his radical generosity and his devotion to supporting his family and uplifting his community. He understood that success is not just about personal achievement, but about reaching back to help others climb.
- This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of our dad Dinakara Rao by supporting students who share his relentless drive to succeed in a complex world that often favors those with established privilege.
- Any BIPOC four-year undergraduate student may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are a first-generation college student who is determined to create a better future for themselves and their community despite systemic obstacles.
Submission: To apply, tell us about your journey as a first-generation student and what has motivated you to pursue your desired career path.
Deadline: June 11, 2026
Amount: $832
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/dinakara-rao-memorial-scholarship/
