Who Can Apply:
- This scholarship is designed to honor Josh’s life while empowering students to advocate for themselves, recognize their strengths, and embrace their passions. By easing financial barriers and fostering advocacy, it supports students in pursuing educational or vocational paths that reflect their unique gifts. I hope each recipient uses this scholarship not only to bring to life the potential my son carried but also to fully recognize and pursue their own – moving forward – with confidence and creating a future that reflects their purpose, both inside the classroom and beyond its walls.
- Any high school senior in Virginia may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have a learning difference and are in a specialized learning plan. Preference will be given to students from Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
Submission: Many students with learning differences receive support through an IEP, 504 Plan, SAP, or BIP, yet learning how to understand these plans and advocate for meaningful support is not always taught or intuitive.
Please share your story. In your essay, reflect on your experience navigating learning supports or advocating for yourself (or learning how to do so). How has this experience shaped your understanding of your strengths, learning style, or passions? Describe a moment when you recognized your ability to speak up for your needs—or a moment you wish you had—and how that experience influences your educational or vocational goals moving forward.
How do you hope to continue honoring your strengths and advocating for yourself as you pursue the path that best reflects who you are?
Deadline: May 22, 2026
Amount: $1,175
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/josh-barkley-memorial-scholarship/