Jennifer D. Hale Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Open
Application Deadline
May 21, 2026
Winners Announced
Jun 21, 2026
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Field of Study:
Nursing
Background:
Teen mom or former teen mom
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate student

Jennifer D. Hale was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend. She passed away suddenly at the age of fifty-one, leaving behind a legacy of resilience in the face of adversity and service to others.

Jennifer was a teenage mother, having her first daughter at age 17. She went on to obtain a Master of Science in Nursing, Healthcare Systems Management and spent more than 16 years in geriatric and hospice nursing. She went on to spend the last 16 years of her career in executive leadership positions in Hospice organizations, ending her career as a Vice President of Clinical and Quality Standards.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Jennifer D. Hale by supporting students who are pursuing their dreams in the field of nursing.

Any high school or undergraduate student who is a teen mom or a former teen mom may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they plan to pursue a nursing degree.

To apply, tell us how being a teen mom has affected your academic journey and goals and why you’re pursuing nursing.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published June 30, 2025
Essay Topic

How has your experience as a teen mom impacted your educational journey and your goals for the future? Why did you choose to pursue a career in nursing?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Dionne Carter
Old Dominion UniversitySuffolk, VA
Becoming a mother at seventeen was not what I envisioned for myself, but it became the catalyst for a life defined by resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering ambition. When I gave birth to my daughter McKayla, I was still a teenager in Barbados with limited opportunities and a strong desire to create a better future, not only for myself but for the child I now held in my arms. That moment was the beginning of a journey that would take me across borders, through challenges, and ultimately toward my dream of becoming a nurse. Raised in a small island nation, I knew that opportunities for upward mobility were few and far between. Determined to give my daughter a life filled with more promise, I made the difficult decision to leave everything familiar behind and migrate to the United States. Starting over was not easy. I juggled work and school while navigating a new culture, all while raising a child on my own. Despite the hardships, I never lost sight of my goal: to earn a nursing degree and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My path led me to join the military, where I found both structure and support. The discipline and training I received not only molded my character but also helped me develop time management, leadership, and empathy, qualities that are indispensable in nursing. Throughout my service, I continued to pursue my education, completing the prerequisites needed for nursing school while maintaining my responsibilities as a mother and service member. Now, years later, that teenage mother from Barbados is proud to say she has been accepted into three nursing programs. Even more special, this year marks a full-circle moment. My daughter McKayla, now seventeen herself, and I will be starting our college journeys together. Sharing this milestone with her is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of breaking generational barriers. I chose nursing because it aligns with everything I’ve fought for: compassion, service, and empowerment. My personal experiences have given me a deep empathy for others, especially underserved populations. I want to be the kind of nurse who not only treats symptoms but sees the whole person, their story, and their struggle. Nursing is more than a career to me; it is a calling born from my own life’s challenges and triumphs. Being a teen mom taught me how to push through adversity with grit and grace. It showed me the value of education, the strength of a mother’s love, and the importance of giving back. Winning this scholarship would not only help me continue my education but also honor the legacy of a woman who, like me, understood what it means to turn struggle into service.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 21, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jun 21, 2026.