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Jaki Nelson LGBTQ+ Music Education Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Jaki Nelson
$520
1 winner$520
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 1, 2021
Winners Announced
Jun 21, 2021
Education Level
Any
1
Contribution
Share

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” – Plato

For many people in the LGBTQ+ community, music is a transcendental mechanism for healing, joy, and self-expression.

As one small part of supporting the importance of music in the LGBTQ+ community, the Jaki Nelson LGBTQ+ Music Education Scholarship exists to support an LGBTQ+ student who is passionate about studying music and/or pursuing a career in the music industry.

Applicants will write an essay about the role of music in their lives.

Selection Criteria:
Essay, LGBTQ+, Creativity, Purpose, Ambition
LGBTQ Scholarships to Apply for in 2025Music ScholarshipsEssay Scholarships
Published December 20, 2020
$520
1 winner$520
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jun 1, 2021
Winners Announced
Jun 21, 2021
Education Level
Any
1
Contribution
Share
Essay Topic

What is the role of music in your life?

100–750 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2021

Winners
Corey Sanders
Houston Community College
Katy, TX
Finalists
Mariana Montoya
The University of Tampa
Coconut Creek, FL
Sarah Tredway
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
Cecilia Alfie
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Rachel McKelvey
Pierson Middle/high School
Sag Harbor, NY
Makenzie Mevis
Daniel Boone High School
Gray, TN
Rylie Froehler
Husson University
Palmyra, NY
Mekenzie Lintemuth
Reed City High School
Hersey, MI
Lily Lands
Columbia High School
Burbank, WA
Sarah Goodman
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL
Jasmine Etienne
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Onsted, MI
Madeline King
Naples, FL
Karina Gironas
Ruben S. Ayala High
Ontario, CA
Cameron Cradock
Wando High
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Lucy Martindale
The Boston Conservatory
Berryville, VA
Sebrina McGovern
West Fargo High School
Fargo, ND
Krystal Cortez
Texas A & M University-Kingsville
Roma, TX
Thomas Oxbrough
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Megan Dailey
Pendleton Heights High School
Pendleton, IN
Shelby Franklin
Collinsville High School
Marietta, OH
Laura Fernandez
Stetson University
Miami, FL
Camryn Smith
Mercyhurst University-North East Campus
Erie, PA
Astrid Zambori
University of Wisconsin-Superior
Superior Village, WI
Kurt McLaughlin
Judge Memorial Catholic High School
Salt Lake City, UT
Julia Hall
University of New Hampshire-Main Campus
Durham, NH
Madison GIbbs
Oregon City Senior High School
Oregon City, OR
Saigon Huynh
Spokane, WA
Jay Lipsutz
St Louis, MO

Winning Application

Corey Sanders
Houston Community CollegeKaty, TX
Music has be a very vital part of my life. I remember back in 2009(age 10), I got a 3DS for Christmas and one of the features was videos that Nintendo provided each week. Linkin Park "Burn It Down" was a constant video that was on and me and my little brother bonded over that song. Even performed it for my mom. That started my passion to write music. My first ever lyrics was when I was in 6th grade. It was to Jeff Hardy's "Similar Creatures" song because I couldn't understand the lyrics. Shortly I wrote my first song Natural. Eight years later, I've written over 200 songs and explored so many music genres. Music itself has gotten me through depression, anxiety, breakups and crushes. Even to this day, music is my choice to uplift my mood. Writing and creating music has been my therapy for years. I started producing my own music through loops and learned to record in hopes I'll become a singer. It created a bond that I hold with my mom when I was having thoughts of ending it all. One of the most important reason music means so much to me is because it helped me realize I'm gay and it helped me come out. If it wasn't for the help of Troye Sivan's music, I wouldn't know who I am today. His music videos "Youth", "Heaven", and "The Blue Neighbourhood trilogy" really helped me see that being gay is ok. I even had his song "Heaven" playing when I came out to my mom in 2018. Now I look to black queer musicians/artist to show me that I can be like them. I can be an open black gay man and be successful in music. I've been able to express myself and bond with other fan members, friends, and artist alike. I've made life long friends with many, all over our bond for music. I'm in my school's writing club where I share and write music and the majority of the members have been able to relate deeply. Even if I don't become a famous singer or songwriter, I want to publish all my songs to reach to people like many have reached to me. I want to connect my words to someone's life and let them know, "you're not alone. I've been there and so has many others". There's not a day music isn't involved in my life and I can't see that ever changing.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 1, 2021. Winners will be announced on Jun 21, 2021.

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 21, 2021. 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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