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E. A. Bravo Outstanding Women of Color in Leadership Award

Funded by
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 31, 2022
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2022
Education Level
Undergraduate
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate student
Gender:
Female
Race:
BIPOC
Background:
Leadership experience and non-profit or volunteering experience
University:
Rowan University

Women of color face a unique set of obstacles in life due to facing both gender-based and race-based discrimination.

As a result, women of color are underrepresented in many fields, especially when it comes to leadership positions. For example, only 2% of governors and 10% of mayors in the one hundred largest US cities are women of color.

This scholarship aims to aid women of color who struggle financially so they can have an opportunity to pursue higher education.  

Any female, BIPOC undergraduate student who has leadership experience, as well as non-profit or volunteering experience, may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, answer one of the prompts below about your experience as a woman of color.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published May 12, 2022
Essay Topic

Choose one of the following prompts to answer: 1. Tell us about any obstacles you have faced as a woman of color that you feel shaped you as an individual and why. 2. What historical woman of color (if any) do you admire and why? 3. What issue do you think is most prevalent in the women of color community and why? Do you think it can be solved? If yes, then how would you solve this issue?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Erica Iraheta
Rowan UniversityWest New York, NJ
“Uno tiene que estudiar para salir adelante,” has been a constant reminder from my mother since I was a little girl. For a long period of time, I believed those words meant I had to get an education to have a career and reach a higher socioeconomic status. However, as I grew older I realized there is more to it. I've learned through my struggles within the Hispanic community that I am a part of something much bigger. As a first-generation college student, it takes extra dedication, perseverance, and grit to succeed. Growing up, I lived in a community where the majority of the population is Hispanic. From a young age, I was able to witness and experience the disadvantages my community faced regardless of our different upbringings, cultures, and nationalities. There is a lack of guidance, resources, and opportunities provided to the Hispanic community. There are limitations such as poverty, language barriers, financial difficulties, and systematic oppression that affects our mobility in society. At a very young age, school became my sanctuary. It was a place where I had the opportunity to learn English, study various subjects, and make friends. Although the public education system was not the best, I never took it for granted. I saw how hard my mother worked to provide a roof over our heads and food on our table, so I knew I had to work hard in school. There were so many moments in our lives filled with uncertainty, but one consistent thing was my mother’s reminder that education will be the door to endless opportunities. As I became older, I noticed the lack of resources available to my community. When reaching the end of my high school career, I remember how difficult it was for me to get any information about college and the application process. It was discouraging and almost made me give up. I remember receiving Rowan's acceptance through the EOF program. It was the first time I felt I would have a chance at the life my mother always talks about her kids having. It was the first day of the EOF program and I had the biggest smile. I did not know one single person at the University. I had no idea how I would afford my tuition, but I couldn’t stop smiling. I was given the opportunity to further my education. As the days went on, I had the chance to meet my EOF class. I realized how many of us were first-generation students with similar backgrounds. We were all kids who faced challenges but wanted a chance to show the world that we were more than our hardships. As I am now entering my last year of undergrad, I have decided my plans consist of working for schools serving low-income communities. I would like to motivate the youth to continue their education. I have found the courage and motivation within me to continue going to college despite all the limitations placed on me. I am determined to continue pushing through every obstacle and be an inspiration for the many generations to come. Education is a never-ending process. It can empower communities by expanding upon different points of view and knowledge. Education gives us the ability to think for ourselves and address complex issues on a communal, domestic, and national level. Education allows for great change to occur through compassion, advocacy, and leadership. As a Latina and first-generation student, I embrace how far I have come, but I look forward to the places I will go. I will continue my education because estoy determinada de seguir adelante.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 31, 2022. Winners will be announced on Jun 30, 2022.

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