Healing Self and Community Scholarship

Funded by

OG Dance School for Healing Self, LLC®

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student

Race/Ethnicity:

BIPOC

Background:

Interest in changing the world through art and health promotion

Education Level:

Race/Ethnicity:

Background:

High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student

BIPOC

Interest in changing the world through art and health promotion

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 75% of mental illnesses begin by age 24 and disproportionately affect youth of color. Mental health challenges affect countless people every day and yet many suffer in silence and aren't able to find support.

The inaccessibility of mental health care is produced by a variety of factors, such as the high financial costs of therapy or other treatment and the stigmatization of mental illness that can exacerbate feelings of isolation in BIPOC communities. All young people deserve an equal opportunity to thrive as they develop into adulthood.

This scholarship seeks to empower students to practice healthy coping mechanisms, pursue higher education, and go on to change the world.

Any BIPOC high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is interested in changing the world through art and health promotion may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us what contribution you would like to make to help mental health care become more affordable and accessible.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Impact

Scholarships for High School Seniors Scholarships for Black Students Graduate School Scholarships Scholarships for Minorities High School Scholarships Undergraduate Scholarships Mental Health Scholarships

Scholarships for College Students

Essay Scholarships College Students Scholarships Scholarships for South Asian Students Scholarships for Hispanic Students Art Scholarships Scholarships for Black Women Need-Based Scholarships Healthcare Scholarships Scholarships for Women

Published July 18, 2025

Essay Topic

What unique contribution would you give the world to make mental health care affordable and accessible to anyone who needs support?

100–250 words

Winners and Finalists

December 2025

Winners

Oakland Community College

Maryville University of Saint Louis

Finalists

Jordana Ulloa-Marquez

Teachers College at Columbia University

New York, NY

Isabella Alvarez

Arizona State University-Tempe

Idea Carver College Preparatory

Metropolitan State University

Burnsville, MN

Keira Chestnut

High Point University

Clinton, MD

jaelyn williams

Missouri Valley College

St Louis, MO

Kendall Mitchell

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hondros College of Nursing

Westerville, OH

Makaela Jenkins

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL

Isaac May Burgos

The University of Texas at Dallas

Lavon, TX

Tiffany Armstrong

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Palm Springs, CA

Ange Louis

University of Florida

Orlando, FL

Shira Joshua

Alliant International University-San Diego

San Diego, CA

Brilyn Jones-Dumas

University at Buffalo

Troy, NY

Emani Dixon

Northeastern University

Boston, MA

KURTISHA BROWN

AdventHealth University

Florida Atlantic University

Western Governors University

Philadelphia, PA

Britain Ingram

Georgia State University

Peachtree Cty, GA

Kanykei Nukeeva

Pace University - Westchester Campus

University of Central Oklahoma

Norman, OK

Michael Jones

Lancaster Bible College

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Palm Beach State College

Parkersburg High School

Parkersburg, WV

jasmine Williams

Georgia State University

Rex, GA

Nicole Sparks

University of Michigan-Flint

Detroit, MI

Bella Hawkins

University of Nevada-Reno

North Las Vegas, NV

Kishaun Baker

University of Phoenix

Fort Worth, TX

Destiny Lopez

University of California-Riverside

Canyon Cntry, CA

Thembekile Dube

National University of Health Sciences

Indianapolis, IN

Nicole Paz

Rutgers University-Newark

Kearny, NJ

Alicia Nealy

Tallahassee Community College

Tallahassee, FL

Jo'Elle Sengsourichanh

Dacula High School

Dacula, GA

Hannah Monkiewicz

California Institute of Integral Studies

San Francisco, CA

Krystal Moore

The University of Texas at Tyler

Nolensville High School

Nolensville, TN

Crystal Mays

Jersey College School of Nursing

Brandon, FL

Alyssa Maina

Texas Woman's University

Spring, TX

Camila Cruz

Fullerton High School

Fullerton, CA

Oneika Williams

Georgia State University

Mcdonough, GA

Monica Chicas

San Francisco State University

Illinois Institute of Technology

Chicago, IL

Alexandra Ramos

Claremont Graduate University

Los Angeles, CA

halima mahmud

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Seattle, WA

Chidi Chukwunyere

North Carolina A & T State University

Raleigh, NC

Marisa Shoaf

National University of Natural Medicine

Portland, OR

December 2024

Winners

Lia Ottinot

Jacksonville University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Fredericksbrg, VA

Alyson Brown

Columbus Alternative High School

Finalists

Estrella Mountain Community College

Phoenix, AZ

Alexa Ramani

University of Florida

Novato, CA

Linda Duverne

Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD

Julia Flores

Seattle Pacific University

Seattle, WA

Aroun Kamara

Academy Park High School

Collingdale, PA

Noah Williams

Nassau Community College

Patrick Kamdem Kamdem

Suitland High

District Heights, MD

Alanna Thornton

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Metea Valley High School

Naperville, IL

Eve McRoy

Purdue University Global

Eustis, FL

Viraj Rajpal

University of Central Florida

Davie, FL

Bruna Rozeno Merlin

Appleton West High School

San Antonio, TX

Luccin Charly Iraguha

Grand River Academy

Geneva, OH

Setareh Katibeh

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

Bixby, OK

Beatriz Meza Payan

California State University-Fullerton

Eastvale, CA

Shinyce Haskins

East Carolina University

Chesapeake, VA

Nadiya Wilson

Pepperdine University

Westminster, CA

Britney Navarro

San Jose State University

Novato, CA

Arianne Torio

University of Mary Washington

Fredericksbrg, VA

Angelle Thomas

Prairie View A & M University

Rochester Institute of Technology

University of Minnesota-Crookston

Franciscan University of Steubenville

San Marcos, CA

De'Asia Griffin

Francis Marion University

University of California-Irvine

Bellflower, CA

Emerald May

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

La Salle, CO

Daniela Caro

Florida International University

The University of Texas at Austin

Eagle Pass, TX

John Oduntan

University of Florida

North Carolina A & T State University

Rockville, MD

Michelle Ekon

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

State College, PA

Ariana Davis

North Carolina A & T State University

Brandywine, MD

Nathan Henderson

Harding Charter Prep High Schl

Oklahoma City, OK

Gabrielle Rivera

Ohio University-Main Campus

Henrico, VA

Kaleb Lambert

North Carolina A & T State University

Ellicott City, MD

Ian Verjat

National University of Natural Medicine

Nova Southeastern University

Pembroke Pines, FL

Madison Ellis

University of Maryland-College Park

Westminster, MD

Anya Adame

Central Bucks High School-east

Furlong, PA

Roxana Mousavi

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Caliya Williams

Savannah College of Art and Design

Laurel, MD

Alanya Abou-Elmajd

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Portland, OR

Kayla Jenkins

Savannah College of Art and Design

Ulmer, SC

mindy wang

Kansas State University

Manhattan, KS

Elizabeth Grado

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, TX

Kayla Mears

Georgia Southern University

Savannah, GA

Noemi Galindo Rivera

University of Southern Indiana

Grand Jct, CO

William Nunez De La O

Cypress College

Garden Grove, CA

Kayla Utter

Colorado Christian University

University of California-Irvine

Chula Vista, CA

rachel ochoa

Alliant International University

Ball State University

Novi, MI

Rylan Kyeremateng

Northeastern University

Houston, TX

Jazmin Leon

University of California-Berkeley

Fresno, CA

Allyson Haynes

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Virginia Bch, VA

Alivia Morris

Alabama A & M University

Clarksville, TN

Londyn Johnson

Delaware State University

Wilmington, DE

Nora Obikwelu

University of Minnesota-Rochester

Farmington, MN

Brice Scott

Grand Canyon University

Murrieta, CA

Allison Castellanos

Florida Gulf Coast University

Cape Coral, FL

Dabria Dawkins

George Mason University

Mattydale, NY

Tatiana Feaster

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, FL

Mandela Okere

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL

Kailey Kihara

Westerville Central High School

Westerville, OH

Amaris Wilridge

Summer Creek High School

Humble, TX

Deneb KAMT

Florida College of Integrative Medicine

Kissimmee, FL

Sydney Johnson

Purdue University Global

New Prt Rchy, FL

Mckeyla Badilla

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Geneva, NY

Ranniah Barlow

Huston-Tillotson University

Manor, TX

Sneha Thottiyil

The University of Texas at San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

Malik Richard

Hillgrove High School

December 2023

Winners

Natalie Hernandez

West Texas A & M University

San Angelo, TX

Tyerohn Coleman

Syracuse University

Dorchester Center, MA

Finalists

Isaiah Howard

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Abington

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

Kingfisher, OK

Mackenzie Flowers

University of Kentucky

Montclair State University Pre-collegiate Teaching

Jersey City, NJ

Genevieve Slaton

National University of Natural Medicine

Portland, OR

april nava

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Spring Arbor University

Texas State University

Houston, TX

Amanda (Arlo) Topete

Valley View High School

Seattle Central College

Seattle, WA

Kristina Olegario Loy

University of the Cumberlands

Benjamin N Cardozo High School

Queens, NY

Patricia Okolo

Grand Valley State University

Penn Foster High School

Seven Lakes High School

Katy, TX

Samiya Harragin

University School at Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nathalie Larson

Vanderbilt University

South Carolina State University

Richmond, TX

Samantha Odaro

McEachern High School

Powder Springs, GA

Aaliyah Mitchell

Notre Dame High School

Riverside, CA

Ravyn Hicks

University of North Dakota

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Enterprise, AL

Marrissa Bastien-Buie

Mundy's Mill High School

Jonesboro, GA

Jada James Ogbechie

Eleanor Roosevelt High

Seabrook, MD

Adriane Navarro

University of South Alabama

Southaven, MS

Ebony Medina

Maharishi International University

North Plainfield High School

University of Houston-Downtown

Djamilliah Paepke-Chile

Utah State University

Logan, UT

Grace Beecher

East Tennessee State University

Rosamargarita mendoza

University of Mississippi

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Piscataway, NJ

Elise Andrews

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC

Crystal Maoga

Montclair State University

Washington, NJ

Chauntrell Turner

California State University-San Marcos

Murrieta, CA

Stephanie Ortiz

University of Rhode Island

Providence, RI

Alicia Gonzalez-Gastelum

Chula Vista Learning Community Charter

Chula Vista, CA

Michelle Fan

Alliant International University-San Diego

Burlingame, CA

Jared Villery

Coastline Community College

Los Angeles, CA

Vivian Gaiko

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Western Governors University

Dallas, NC

Alyssandra Lachica

Pasadena City College

South Pasadena, CA

Brianna Oyeyemi

Long Island University

Staten Island, NY

Anasofia Gallegos

Antioch University-Seattle

Seattle, WA

Sadie Brown

University of California-Irvine

Texas Tech University

Houston, TX

Kaitlyn hernandez

Point Park University

Summerville, SC

Christy Roberson

Career Networks Institute

Compton, CA

mary adeleke

Sam Houston High School

Arlington, TX

Lydia Chapman

University of Detroit Mercy

West Bloomfield Township, MI

Texas A&M University- College Station

Spring, TX

Jayden Linton

Rancocas Valley Regional High School

Westampton, NJ

Ayani Hashi

Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Land O' Lakes High School

Zephyrhills, FL

Onyinyechi Colette Charles-Azike

Houston Community College

Houston, TX

Jonathan Gedam

University of Southern California

University of Memphis

Spring Hill, TN

Damon Garcia

Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, CA

Camila Garcia

Washington University in St Louis

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Miami Gardens, FL

Damaria Ponder

The University of Alabama

Conyers, GA

Chloe Edwards

Jefferson (Philadelphia University + Thomas Jefferson University)

Alabama A & M University

Brooklyn, NY

Jeremiah Lewis

Central State University

Chicago, IL

Destiny Ejiofor

University of Houston-Downtown

Winning Applications

Tatiana Arias

Rice UniversityHouston, TX

Mindfulness in life is valuable and something that must be taught. Accordingly, like all learning, it is integral to implement interventions early on. Mental health care involvement in early childhood may be a contribution that will affect further livelihoods, especially in children of color. If mindfulness techniques are taught early in schools, it will allow for conversation about mental health without stigma and give individuals the tools for emotional regulation as a guide towards lifelong wellbeing. As a PreKinder instructor, my main goal in teaching is to nurture my students. My position as a teacher at Small Steps Nurturing Center has given me the pleasure to work with students from economically at-risk backgrounds. All of my students have come from immigrant backgrounds, with some students having sought asylum and refugee status. Across my students, most have sought a variety of therapies, and about a third have been diagnosed with developmental disorders. What I have learned throughout my time with my students is the growth in not only their occupational skills through therapies, but also an expansion in their emotional regulation and mental well-being by teaching and interacting with socioemotional teaching practices such as yoga or artwork. As a young adult, I have dedicated my education towards teaching and involvement in mental health care practices through mindfulness and socioemotional development. The involvement of socioemotional teaching in early education may allow for both affordable and accessible mental well-being practices for all students and lead towards a successful, healthy lifestyle further on.

Madison Dover

Oakland Community CollegeCanton, MI

Rodney Rogers II

Kettle Run HighWarrenton, VA

As a young Black man preparing to graduate high school and pursue a degree in media and communication, I’m passionate about using my voice and creativity to make mental health care affordable and accessible to anyone in need. My journey as a student-athlete, leader, and person of faith has taught me the importance of balance, discipline, and community, especially in spaces where mental health isn’t always discussed openly. Every Sunday morning, I serve as a media camera operator at my church, where I’ve learned the power of storytelling and connection. Seeing how one broadcast can bring comfort, spark faith, or remind someone they're not alone has shown me how important media can be. I want to use that same power to reach people who feel unseen or unheard, especially young men of color who may face barriers to getting help. By blending media, faith, and empathy, I hope to produce content that normalizes seeking support, shares real stories, and connects people with affordable care. My goal is to build platforms that make mental wellness as easy to access as opening an app or watching a livestream. I believe my purpose is to help others find strength through openness and to use media not just to inform but to heal, inspire, and unite.

Jade Matthews

Maryville University of Saint LouisHarpers Ferry, WV

When I graduate from PT school, I want to pursue a clinical psychology degree and combine physical therapy with mental wellness. I believe access to mental health resources should be an easier topic to discuss, but for many people, it still feels taboo. If mental wellness is implemented into PT and proven to help, my hope is that companies will incorporate therapists to boost morale and show employees that they care about the individuals they employ. People often avoid seeking mental health treatment because they grew up with the idea that therapy is only for those who are suicidal or that going to therapy means something is wrong with you. I believe that it is my obligation as a future Physical Therapist to promote all areas of health. I don't believe healing is possible without healing the mind. As a PT you develop a relationship with your patients and they trust you; there is a bond that is created. They may feel more comfortable talking about certain situations with someone that they are more familiar with which could help with their healing and overall health. The incorporation could help promote discussion about the topic of mental health and gradually make it an easier conversation to have.

Lia Ottinot

Jacksonville UniversityCoral Springs, FL

Cathrina Aris

SUNY at AlbanyBrooklyn, NY

When I feel overwhelmed by the weight of my public health graduate program, internships, and life itself, I remind myself of the power of community—the same community I hope to create for others. My future and the futures of those I hope to serve depend on it. Currently, in my second year of the program, I’ve learned that higher education means balancing many responsibilities. As a Residential Life Graduate Assistant and an intern at my local health department, I often feel stretched thin. But even amid burnout, I remind myself that this path is for my future. Walking on campus helps me cope, and during these walks, I listen to Balanced Black Girl, a podcast that reminds me of my purpose. My goal in my career is to develop support for young Black women. I envision creating a space for Black girls, ages 11 to 24, where they can discuss school, life, and higher education. Inspired by Balanced Black Girl, I dream of launching a podcast where participants can talk openly, rediscover their “why,” and build a community virtually and in person. It would provide a space to share frustrations, triumphs, and stories of overcoming challenges. Topics like financial literacy, mental and physical wellness, and career development—often challenging for those pursuing higher education—would equip them with the tools for success. Ultimately, mental health is about accessible spaces and resources that empower individuals to keep moving forward, helping young Black women find motivation, resilience, and community as they pursue their dreams.

Deshawn Hocker

Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFredericksbrg, VA

I had a deep sense of hopelessness and despair. I was worried that I would never be able to accomplish anything in my life, and my family grew increasingly concerned for my well-being. It was a difficult and trying time for me, and I often felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I burned many bridges over the years and made too many mistakes, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to repair those relationships or make amends. It was a tough place to be in, and I felt very lost and alone. I believed that there was a difference between life and living. I used to see my life story as something that was constantly ahead of me. Like I was standing still at a point of time alone with nothing surrounding it. A developing chapter being written for me by an unpredictable, but mostly biased writer. But it’s the one thing I could see play out. It inspired me to learn new things and left me eagerly anticipating my next challenge. I couldn’t see that while analyzing my life and where it could go because of certain events. I want to come out to show the world the real me what I could do, what I could've done had I stepped out of my shell years ago. I want to use my artwork and my art skills to inspire others and have them believe everything will be okay.

Alyson Brown

Columbus Alternative High SchoolColumbus, OH

As an African American girl with ADHD and anxiety, I have firsthand experience with the challenges of managing mental health. This background has equipped me with unique insights and empathy that I use to support others facing similar struggles. My friends often seek my advice on coping strategies, knowing I have developed effective techniques for managing mental health issues. I strive to create a judgment-free environment where people feel safe discussing their mental health, offering a listening ear and practical support. My goal is to continue this support on a larger scale through a career in Psychology or Neuroscience. By deeply understanding how the brain works, I aim to develop innovative and effective mental health care solutions. I envision working in clinical settings, research, and community programs, advocating for mental health awareness and reducing stigma. To make mental health care more affordable and accessible, I plan to develop community-based programs that offer low-cost or free services. These programs would include workshops, support groups, and educational resources, helping individuals manage their mental health proactively. Additionally, I aim to leverage technology to create online platforms providing remote support and resources, making mental health care accessible regardless of location or financial status. Receiving this scholarship would be instrumental in achieving these goals, enabling me to focus on my education and gain the necessary expertise. With this support, I am determined to make a positive impact on the mental health community, ensuring everyone has access to the care they need.

Natalie Hernandez

West Texas A & M UniversitySan Angelo, TX

When I was a junior in high school, I remember leaving for spring break on a sunny Friday afternoon. In a blink of an eye, my week of spring break turned into a year of isolation. The 2020 pandemic hit many people hard. Every day when we turned on the news, it felt like one catastrophe after another. The pandemic took a lot away from me and my high school experience, but it also taught me the importance of prioritizing mental health. This realization influenced me to pursue a degree in music therapy. Myself and many others turned to the arts for comfort during isolation and after that experience, I knew there could never be enough music and art in the world. Music therapy is a unique kind of therapy because it relies on music to address the needs of the patient. Music therapy has been proven to help those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other kinds of mental disorders. Music therapists have always had to advocate for their clients because they cannot always do it for themselves and I am prepared to advocate for the rest of my professional career. I truly believe everyone deserves to be helped without having to worry about what financial problems may follow. I am devoted to helping my future clients and making mental health care a right instead of a luxury.

Tyerohn Coleman

Syracuse UniversityDorchester Center, MA

As a Rising Senior in college, I have had the opportunity to create a men of color organization on my campus that is dedicated to prioritizing men's mental health and healthy forms of manhood. The reason I decided to start this group is because it is extremely important that the BIPOC community starts to focus on mental health. Men Assertively Manifesting Bold Alliances (MAMBA) strives to create unity among men of color on our campus so we can become the best versions of ourselves through one another. This means we need to be able to be okay with being vulnerable and also know when we need help and how to pursue it. With 80 percent of therapists being white, it is extremely difficult to find one who looks like you, which is why it's crucial to have a support system and community of people who share similar experiences as you. So many men in this world are not taught that being vulnerable and showing your feelings is acceptable, so many of us have grown up most, and sometimes all of our lives with a hard shell and very stoic. So, with a group like MAMBA, I know it will have a positive impact on our community and make men feel more comfortable reaching out for help. While MAMBA may not directly make mental health care affordable or accessible, It will transform young men of color into men who are not afraid to reach out for help when they need it.