Coty Crisp Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
May 6, 2026
Winners Announced
Jun 6, 2026
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate student
Identity:
LGBTQ+
Field of Study:
Dental hygiene

The LGBTQ+ community has made great strides in recent years, but the fight for respect and equal treatment continues every day.

Many LGBTQ+ people face hate crimes, bullying, challenges to their legal rights, strained relationships with unaccepting family members, and other struggles. These obstacles can make the college environment feel isolating and intimidating as they navigate their identity along with the mechanics of coursework and a new social environment.

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Coty Crisp by supporting students who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Any undergraduate student who identifies as LGBTQ+ may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are pursuing dental hygiene.

To apply, submit a short essay about any struggles you have faced due to your sexual orientation or identity.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published August 6, 2025
Essay Topic

Submit a brief essay about any struggles you have faced based on your sexual orientation or identity.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Noah Parra
Oregon Institute of TechnologySublimity, OR
I’ve always been a quiet, timid kid who kept to himself. But people looking for someone to target with their hatred always seem to find a way. I grew up with a single mother who worked long hours just to provide for us. Because of that, certain conversations like the birds and the bees never really happened. I had to learn about things like that from other kids, including what it meant to be gay. For a long time, I didn’t understand the word. But in third grade, I was given a new nickname: “the gay kid.” Even though I didn’t yet know what it meant, I could tell from the way they said it that I was supposed to feel ashamed. From third grade until the end of high school, I endured name-calling and taunts. It became so normal that I learned to keep it all in and not show how much it affected me at least on the outside. On the day of graduation, I sat next to my best friend who also happened to be gay. In front of us sat a group of students who, without hesitation, called us both slurs as we stood up. For the first time, I felt a sharp anger not at them, but at myself. I was angry that I had let it happen again, this time to someone I cared about deeply. As I got older and began to explore the world beyond my small rural town, I realized that this kind of discrimination wasn’t just a local problem it was everywhere. I saw people like me being mistreated in schools, public spaces, and even healthcare settings. I knew I wanted to be someone who could help others feel safe, accepted, and cared for. I just didn’t know how yet. When I started taking college classes, my path became clearer. I felt a strong pull toward healthcare not just because of the science or the service, but because it was a way to make a difference. I realized that by working in healthcare, I could do two things at once: provide quality care and create a safe, welcoming space for those who are often excluded or mistreated. That’s when I discovered my passion for dental hygiene. Growing up, one of the things I was bullied for aside from being gay was my teeth. Getting braces changed more than just my smile it gave me confidence and a sense of strength. It allowed me to face the world with more courage. If I can give that same sense of confidence to someone else, especially someone who has also been made to feel less than, then I’ll feel like I’ve made a real difference. Even if my role is small, I believe that helping people feel seen, respected, and cared for—especially in a place as personal as a dental office—is one way I can fight against discrimination. And that, to me, is more than a career. It's my purpose.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 6, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jun 6, 2026.