Erica Payne Memorial Scholarship
Erica Payne was a beloved friend whose life was cut short due to unhealthy relationships with men.
Growing up in the rural Midwest, girls are taught from a young age to seek validation by putting a man at the center of their focus. Erica struggled through countless difficult relationships with men that put her and her children in significant danger. She was more scared of being alone than she was of leaving the abuse. Escaping violent or toxic relationships can be difficult and may even feel impossible. Providing more resources can show women that there are many opportunities for futures outside of romantic relationships and can help strengthen self-esteem.
This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Erica Payne by supporting women who are seeking higher education in an effort to have the confidence to walk a path all on their own.
Any low-income, female high school senior or individual who received their high school diploma in the last seven years may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five years old, if they’re a resident of a Midwest state, and if they will attend college or trade school.
To apply, tell us about yourself, how your life has been, what obstacles you’re facing, and what your goals are. Additionally, upload a photo in which you feel the most like yourself.
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Step 01
Start with your story
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Step 02
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Step 03
Fund your future
Scholarship dollars are disbursed through Bold.org to help students pay for school.
FAQ
The application deadline is Apr 16, 2027. Winners will be announced on May 17, 2027.
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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 May 17, 2027. 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.
