Deborah Ann Parsons Memorial Scholarship
Deb Parsons was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1956. She graduated in 1974 from Gloucester High School and in 1976 from Bay State Junior College. Deb served honorably in the U.S. Air Force, where she was a jet engine mechanic. She traveled extensively across the U.S., but always returned to Gloucester. Deb was an avid crafter and self-taught artist, adding color and beauty to her world through countless paintings, etchings, cross-stitched items and woodcrafts. She had a generous heart and love for children.
The Deborah A. Parsons Memorial Scholarship is intended for a responsible Gloucester High School senior with demonstrated need who is seeking to continue their education at a four-year college, two-year college, or trade-school. Any high school senior at Gloucester High School in Massachusetts who has demonstrated financial need may apply for this scholarship opportunity. However, preference will be given to those seeking a degree or certificate and/or apprenticeship in the fields of the visual or performing arts, or the industrial arts, including trades.
To apply, tell us why you want to pursue a degree in your chosen field. If you’re pursuing performing or fine arts, upload a link to a video performance, submit an art portfolio with at least three pieces pictured, or link to a personal art portfolio webpage. If you include a video performance, submit a link to your video as a public YouTube link or a Google Drive link. Settings should be set to "public" or "anyone with the link can view." If we can't access your video, it won't be considered.
Why do you want to pursue a degree or certificate in your chosen field or trade?
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FAQ
The application deadline is Jun 1, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jul 2, 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 Jul 2, 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.
