Who Can Apply:
- Marsha Cottrell (1950–2016) lived a life marked by strength, compassion, and creativity. She survived domestic violence—both in childhood and adulthood—and channeled that experience into helping others.
- After raising her first child as a single mother, Marsha married when her daughter was four and later welcomed another child. She remained married until her passing in 2016. Marsha spent part of her career running a Batterer’s Education Program, working with people who had caused harm and helping them take responsibility, understand the impact of their actions, and begin to change.
- Marsha’s quiet dream—one she spoke of often—was to become an art therapist. She believed in the healing power of creativity, especially for children and adults who had experienced trauma. Art, she felt, could say what words often couldn’t.
- This scholarship seeks to honor Marsha Cottrell’s dream by supporting students who are studying to become art therapists. The first award will be given on what would have been Marsha’s 75th birthday—October 17, 2025.
- Any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is studying to become an art therapist and wants to help others process pain and find meaning through art may apply for this scholarship opportunity. However, preference will be given to applicants who have a personal connection to this work, whether through their own experiences or a desire to support others in their healing journey.
Submission: To apply, tell us what led you to choose art therapy for your career and how you hope to help others heal.
Deadline: September 18, 2025
Amount: $1,000
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/marsha-cottrell-memorial-scholarship-for-future-art-therapists/