Change of Heart Scholarship
The founder of this scholarship, Dr. Jessica Reed-Thomas, was one of many students that were changed for the better as a result of receiving support from the resources at her alma mater high school in Anchorage, Alaska. Dr. Reed-Thomas attended Robert Service High School, where there were many impactful programs and educators (e.g. Mary Rita, Almarie Chalmers, Yuko Benedetti & more) that set students up for life-long success. One teacher in particular was Ms. Kelly Corrigan Webster, who was one of many inspiring educators at the school. She also served as a lead facilitator and advocate for The Change of Heart Program at Dr. Thomas' school, helping youth become change agents in their community by training others in peer-to-peer conflict management and promoting social-emotional learning (SEL). The goal was simple: "let the youth drive their learning and development, they will rise to the occasion and hearts and minds will be changed for the better". During the early 2000s this program trained hundreds of students and many hearts were opened and changed to learn to be more welcoming of diversity as well as being open to the calling for your life's purpose.
Ms. Webster, like many of the educators, served more than just as teachers of content, but as lifelines for the students of this school - promoting college and post-secondary planning and helping students earn the scholarships necessary to afford college and understand what it means to have a change of heart and to do good in your community.
This scholarship seeks to support students who are preparing to finish high school and pursue their calling through higher education. Any high school senior with at least 2.75 GPA in Alaska or Pennsylvania may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they plan to attend a two or four-year college or trade school. However, applicants from Anchorage, Alaska, students from Robert Service High School, and students who will be first-generation college students, are preferred.
To apply, tell us about your plans for the future by responding to one of the prompts below. Include a personal story or discuss an impactful person during high school as part of your response.
Many students experience a meaningful shift in perspective during their high school years—an unexpected change of heart that shapes who they become and the future they envision. In an essay of no more than 500 words, reflect on how attending your high school transformed your heart, mindset, or direction in life for the better.
Your essay must include:
1. Your future plans, including your educational and professional goals, and how the positive changes you experienced in high school continue to guide you moving forward.
2. Your response to one of the following two secondary prompts:
a. A personal story describing a moment, experience, or challenge in high school that led to your change of heart.
b. Recognition of one influential teacher or staff member who impacted your growth. Explain how their guidance, support, or example helped shape who you are today.
We encourage honesty, reflection, and specific examples that highlight your journey and the lasting influence of your high school community.
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FAQ
The application deadline is May 19, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jun 20, 2026.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Jun 20, 2026. Prior to the announcement date, we may contact finalists with additional questions about their application. We will work with donors to review all applications according to the scholarship criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the merit of their application.
Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of the winner's academic institution or future academic institution in their name to be applied to their tuition, and in the name of their institution (depending on the school's requirements). If the award is for a qualified educational non-tuition expense, we will work with the winner directly to distribute the award and make sure it goes towards qualified expenses.
Before we award the scholarship, the winner will be required to confirm their academic enrollment status. Depending on the circumstances, verification of Student ID and/or their most recent transcript will be required.
If you have any questions about this scholarship or the Bold.org platform, just email contact@bold.org and we’ll get back to you as quickly as we can.
Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.
