For DonorsFor Applicants

Equal Access I.M.S.A Scholarship

$24,000
2 winners, $12,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 15, 2024
Winners Announced
Jul 15, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
GPA:
3.5 or higher
Background:
First-generation college student
Identity:
Undocumented or a DACA recipient
Field of Study:
STEM

STEM fields are the future and will be responsible for improving the world for generations to come.

Opening the doors to STEM jobs is crucial for the future of our world. Unfortunately, the innovative career opportunities present in STEM industries are often inaccessible to students from modest backgrounds. Pursuing a career in STEM requires years of college that come at no small expense.

This scholarship aims to support first-generation students who are pursuing their academic and professional goals in STEM.

Any first-generation high school senior or undergraduate student who has at least a 3.5 GPA and is pursuing a degree in STEM may apply for this scholarship if they’re a DACA recipient or undocumented student.

To apply, tell us what item you would improve and how this would affect society.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published February 16, 2024
Essay Topic

If you could improve one item in the world, what would it be and how would it change society?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Marco Adrianzen Ruiz
Aurora UniversityBARTLETT, IL
As a prospective nursing student and an international student, my main objective has always been to create a positive impact on people's health and well-being. An idea I consider could change our society and a possible game changer, is improving stethoscopes to analyze not only the basic heart and lung sounds but also to detect small abnormalities indicative of various medical conditions would be a great idea. Likewise making them wireless, making them more easy to carry. The ability to detect cardiovascular diseases or abnormalities, as well as other medical conditions, would be an excellent way of changing the world, as patients can take preventive measures and stay on top of their health. The development of such a technology would have a significant impact on the medical industry, as it would not only improve the accuracy of diagnoses but also help to curb the spread of diseases. Moreover, an addition to this could be incorporating artificial intelligence into these stethoscopes would provide an added advantage, allowing the equipment to learn and improve over time by exposing them to various situations. The application of AI in stethoscopes could drastically improve the accuracy of diagnoses by detecting abnormalities that may not be easily detectable by doctors. The integration of advanced technology into the medical industry is important, and the development of stethoscopes with enhanced features could significantly contribute to this objective. As a nursing student with a passion for innovation and creating a difference in my community and around the world, I am eager to see these advancements come to fruition and make a substantial impact on the health of people worldwide. As an international student from Lima, Peru, I am passionate about helping people and making a positive difference in their lives. My dream is to become an oncology nurse and use my skills to provide care and comfort to those who need it the most. I believe that every individual deserves the best possible care, regardless of their background or circumstances. With the help of the Equal Access I.M.S.A Scholarship, I can achieve my goals and fulfill my dream of making a difference in the world with kindness and a positive attitude. I am grateful for this opportunity, and I am determined to work hard and give back to the community. I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world around them. My biggest motivation in life is my mom, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. Despite her illness, she is still working hard with my family to pay for my studies in the US. I am determined to work even harder to give her back all that she has done for me and more. If I am fortunate enough to receive this scholarship, it will be a game-changer for me. It will allow me to focus on my classes and pursue my academic goals without the constant worry of financial stress. I am eager to become the best version of myself and make my mom proud every single day.
Stefania Balestra
North Park UniversityCHICAGO, IL
As a pre-med student from Venezuela who has faced financial difficulties, improving access to education is the one thing I would change in the world. Education is not just a product - it's a beacon of hope, a path to a better future, and a catalyst for change. Yet, for millions around the globe, including many in my own country, education remains an elusive dream, held back by poverty and inequality. Imagine the child who dreams of becoming a doctor, scientist, or artist but is hindered by barriers of money and lack of opportunity. Think of the single mother or father working multiple jobs to support their family, sacrificing their own aspirations so their children can have a chance at a better life. These are not just statistics, but the lived experiences of countless individuals denied education simply because of their circumstances. Improving access to education is not just about building schools or providing resources. It's about ensuring every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. With quality education, we can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and create a more equitable world. It is a cause I am passionate about, and one I believe can make a profound difference in the lives of so many. It's about giving hope to the hopeless, a voice to the voiceless, and wings to those who dream. It's about breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive, fair society where everyone has the chance to succeed. Imagine the impact if every child received a quality education, no matter their economic status. It's not just about filling minds with knowledge, but igniting curiosity, creativity, and innovation. It's about nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who will shape the world for the better. Improving access to education is crucial, not just morally, but also as a strategic investment in our shared future. It's about transforming this into a society where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential, where hard work and talent are rewarded, and where dreams are within reach for all. If I could improve one thing in the world, it would be access to education. I believe education is the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and future generations. It's the key to unlocking doors of opportunity, breaking down barriers of inequality, and creating a world where everyone has the chance to thrive. That's a world worth fighting for, with every ounce of passion and emotion I have.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 15, 2024. Winners will be announced on Jul 15, 2024.

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