Donovan Harpster “Called to Teach” Scholarship
Donovan Harpster dreamed of becoming a high school teacher. He believed in the quiet power of showing up - for students who felt unseen, for young people who needed support, and for the classroom as a space where lives are changed not just by lessons, but by presence and care.
Donovan passed away in 2024 at the age of 21, before he could fulfill that dream. But his vision, his spirit, and his heart for teaching live on. This scholarship was created in his honor to support students walking the path he never got to finish.
The Donovan Harpster “Called to Teach” Scholarship will be awarded to a student pursuing a career in secondary education (grades 9–12). We’re looking for applicants who have faced hardship and grown through it, who demonstrate financial need, and a genuine desire to uplift, guide, and stand beside the next generation.
This scholarship is not just about funding education - it’s about honoring a life. It’s about carrying forward Donovan’s love for learning, his quiet compassion, and his belief in what good teaching can do.
If you’re walking the road he longed to walk, we are honored to help you take the next step.
Never seek a permanent solution to a temporary problem. If you’re struggling, please reach out. Your story matters. You’re not alone.
Any first-generation high school senior or undergraduate student who aspires to become a high school teacher may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have overcome personal loss, adversity, or hardship and if they show strong character, resilience, empathy, and a desire to uplift others.
To apply, submit an essay or video telling us about a hardship you’ve overcome, what you learned from the experience, and what drives you to be a high school teacher. Video responses are strongly preferred. If you submit a video, write “Submitted via a video link” in the essay box.
Describe a significant hardship or challenge you have overcome and explain how the lessons you learned from that experience will influence the way you teach and support your future students. Additionally, share what drives you to want to become a high school teacher and make a difference in students’ lives.
Winners and Finalists
March 2026
Winning Application
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FAQ
The application deadline is Feb 11, 2026. Winners will be announced on Mar 11, 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 Mar 11, 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 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.
