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Eddie L. Smith Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Smith Family
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 29, 2026
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2026
Education Level
High School
Share
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
Louisiana
Race/Ethnicity:
BIPOC
Education Level:
State:
Race/Ethnicity:
High school senior
Louisiana
BIPOC

Pursuing higher education opens up a whole new world to students, giving them the opportunity to make a difference.

As a way of honoring the memory of Eddie L. Smith Sr., this scholarship will support high school seniors in Louisiana as they prepare to take the next step in their educational journey. 

BIPOC high school seniors in Louisiana are eligible to apply for the Eddie L. Smith Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Preference will be given to students in New Orleans. 

To apply, write about yourself and about how you plan to use your education to make a positive impact on your community and the world as a whole.

Selection Criteria:
Essay, Passion, Dedication
Scholarships for High School SeniorsScholarships for Black StudentsHigh School ScholarshipsLouisiana ScholarshipsEssay Scholarships
Published February 11, 2026
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 29, 2026
Winners Announced
Jun 30, 2026
Education Level
High School
Share
Essay Topic

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact on the world through your career.

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2026

Winners
Sydney Mason
St Marys Dominican High School
New Orleans, LA
Finalists
Mariyah Johnson
Benjamin Franklin High School
New Orleans, LA
Alicia Phan
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Harvey, LA
Cornelius Black
Edna Karr High School
New Orleans, LA
Rudolph Peter
Rayne, LA
CJ Bellow
Iowa High School
Iowa, LA
Alex Pham
New Iberia Senior High School
New Iberia, LA
Tyronne Jacques
Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy
Lafayette, LA
Sydney Ewing
Salmen High School
Slidell, LA
Desky Mayfield
Kipp Renaissance High School at Frederick a Douglass High School
New Orleans, LA
Willow Wright
Edna Karr High School
Slidell, LA

June 2024

Winners
Clarence Foster
Warren Easton Charter High School
New Orleans, LA
Finalists
Elon Brunus
St Augustine High School
Slidell, LA
LeGe Watts
Warren Easton Charter High School
New Orleans, LA
Kamryn McCann
Cabrini High School
Slidell, LA
Micaela Wyche
Texas A&M University- College Station
College Station, TX
Layla Wade
Mcdonogh #35 College Preparatory School
Marrero, LA
Christiyana Davis
L.w. Higgins High School
Gretna, LA
Jada Carroll
Louisiana State University
La Place, LA
Jasmine Knox
Mcdonogh #35 College Preparatory School
New Orleans, LA
Trisha Le
Benjamin Franklin High School
New Orleans, LA
Jayda Tennyson
Warren Easton Charter High School
New Orleans, LA
Sebastian Feet
John Ehret High School
Marrero, LA
Paris Porter
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
New Orleans, LA
mery aldana
Eleanor McMain Secondary School
New Orleans, LA
Treazure Williams
Spelman College
New Orleans, LA

Winning Application

Sydney Mason
St Marys Dominican High SchoolNew Orleans, LA
My name is Sydney, and I am a young woman who is passionate about service, leadership, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Throughout my life, I have always believed that success is not only measured by personal accomplishments, but also by the impact we make on the people and communities around us. My faith, family values, and experiences in leadership and volunteerism have shaped me into someone who genuinely cares about helping others and creating opportunities for those who may not always have a voice. I have been blessed with opportunities to serve both in my school and in my community. I have participated in Youth Ministry, Campus Ministry, the Diversity Club, and served as a school ambassador. These experiences have allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds, strengthen my communication skills, and learn the importance of compassion and understanding. I have also been an active member of the Junior Division of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, where I currently serve as treasurer. Through this organization, I have learned the value of responsibility, teamwork, and servant leadership. In addition to my school and faith-based involvement, I have volunteered with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), where I served as treasurer and participated in several community outreach efforts. Some of my favorite experiences included spreading holiday cheer to the elderly during Christmas, assisting at the Special Needs Mardi Gras Ball, packaging food at Second Harvest Food Bank, and helping with community events and recreational programs. These moments reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact on someone’s life. As I continue my education, I plan to pursue a career in law, with the long-term goal of becoming a real estate attorney. I am interested in real estate law because I understand how important stable housing, property ownership, and community development are to families and neighborhoods. I want to help individuals and families navigate legal processes that can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for those who may not have access to adequate resources or representation. My goal is to use my legal education not only to build a successful career, but also to advocate for fairness, equity, and economic empowerment within underserved communities. I hope to make a positive impact on the world by combining professional excellence with community service. I want to mentor young people, encourage others to pursue higher education, and continue volunteering in organizations that uplift those in need. I also hope to inspire others, especially young women of color, to believe that they can achieve their goals while remaining grounded in faith, integrity, and service. Ultimately, I want my life and career to reflect compassion, leadership, and purpose. Whether I am serving clients, volunteering in my community, or mentoring future generations, I want people to know that I used my gifts to help others and leave the world better than I found it.
Clarence Foster
Warren Easton Charter High SchoolNew Orleans, LA
My journey toward making a positive impact on the world through my career begins with a deep-rooted passion for finance, analytics, and the potential they hold to drive transformative change. From a young age, I've been drawn to the intricate workings of markets, the power of data-driven insights, and the complexities of economic systems. This fascination has only grown stronger over the years, fueling my determination to leverage these disciplines to make a meaningful difference in the world. As I look ahead to my future at LSU studying finance with a concentration in analytics, along with double minors in sociology and economics, I see a pathway to not only acquiring knowledge but also gaining the skills and perspective necessary to effect positive change. Through rigorous academic coursework, hands-on learning experiences, and exposure to real-world challenges, I aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of how financial systems operate and how they intersect with broader societal issues. My vision for making a positive impact extends beyond personal achievement to encompass the broader community and economy. With roots in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city rich in history, culture, and resilience, I am committed to giving back to my hometown and contributing to its continued growth and prosperity. By immersing myself in the local real estate landscape and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities it presents, I hope to identify innovative solutions that not only drive economic development but also promote social equity and inclusivity. One avenue through which I plan to enact change is by establishing my own private equity firm or investment banking firm focused on the Louisiana market. This endeavor aligns with my long-term goal of becoming an influential leader in the finance industry while also allowing me to direct capital toward projects and initiatives that have the potential to make a positive impact. Whether it's revitalizing underserved communities, supporting small businesses, or investing in sustainable infrastructure, I see my future firm as a catalyst for positive change, driving both financial returns and social value. Furthermore, my commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond business endeavors to include active engagement with the broader community. Through volunteering, mentorship, and advocacy, I seek to uplift those around me and amplify the voices of marginalized communities. By leveraging my education, skills, and resources, I hope to empower others to pursue their dreams and overcome systemic barriers to success. In all of my endeavors, I am guided by a strong sense of purpose and a belief in the inherent potential for progress and prosperity. While the challenges facing our world may seem daunting, I am confident that with determination, creativity, and collaboration, we can build a brighter future for generations to come. Through my career in finance and real estate, I aspire to be a catalyst for positive change, driving economic growth, fostering social inclusion, and leaving a lasting legacy of impact and inspiration.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 29, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jun 30, 2026.

How will scholarship application information be used?

Your privacy is a top priority on the Bold.org platform, and you can find our privacy policy in full here. You may opt out of communications from Bold.org at any time, and unless we’ve first notified you and gotten your consent, you’ll never receive communication from any third parties related to personal information you give us.

What is the scholarship award?

Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.

When will the scholarship winner be chosen? How will they be notified?

The winner will be publicly announced on Jun 30, 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.

How will the scholarship award be paid?

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.

How will my scholarship application be verified?

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.

How should I get in touch with questions?

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.

Does the scholarship have terms and conditions?

Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.

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