Joe Cruz Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jan 1, 2023
Winners Announced
Jan 28, 2023
Education Level
High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Background:
First-generation
State:
Texas
Race:
BIPOC
Education Level:
Background:
State:
Race:
High school senior
First-generation
Texas
BIPOC

Every student deserves the chance to attain their educational goals.

Unfortunately, many students don’t get the opportunity to do so due to their economic position. First-generation, BIPOC students often have limited financial resources compared to continuing-generation students, with first-generation college freshmen having a median family income of $37,565 compared to a continuing-generation median of $99,635.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Joe Cruz Jr. by supporting first-generation students as they pursue higher education. 

Any first-generation, BIPOC high school senior in Texas may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us how you plan to use your education to make a difference in the world.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published October 19, 2022
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jan 1, 2023
Winners Announced
Jan 28, 2023
Education Level
High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

How do you plan to use your education to make a positive impact on the world?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Samari Harvey
Benedict CollegeHouston, TX
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Once said, "Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane." Dr. King stated these words more than 50 years ago. You would think healthcare would be significantly better by now, but sadly it is not. Despite gaining their civil rights and advances in medical technology, minorities disproportionately suffer from adverse health conditions and inequalities in health care. With my degree in health sciences, I will prioritize people of color by fighting against racial disparities in healthcare and making healthcare more accessible. As an African American, I feel a sense of familiarity when I walk into a room and see someone that looks like me. Cultural familiarity allows people to connect and feel more comfortable based on shared backgrounds and experiences. So let us talk about why that is important in healthcare. Being open with your physician is essential; it allows them to understand your habits and health conditions. Opening up also builds trust between you and your physician, giving your physician a better opportunity to optimize your health. As an African American woman, I understand how important healthcare is for people of color, and I want to do everything I can to provide better healthcare within our community. Systemic racism and oppression have contributed to health disparities in the U.S. People of color have less access to good healthcare because of higher unemployment rates and lower representation in good-paying jobs. In addition, minority communities receive less commercial development, particularly hospitals, doctor's offices, and clinics. Lack of access to affordable insurance and medical facilities negatively affects the healthcare of people of color. African Americans are at higher risk for several health conditions and diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans have three times the morbidity rate for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and strokes than white people. Also, although Black women have three times the maternal mortality rate of white women, 84% of these pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. As a future physician's assistant in obstetrics and gynecology, I can play a vital role in the education and care given to Black women before, during, and after pregnancy, saving lives and reducing health disparities. Culturally sensitive patient education and better-targeted health care can improve most African American health outcomes. As a result, I want to inspire my male and female peers and the younger generation to join the healthcare field. I also want to inspire people of color to make changes for themselves and make everyone around them aware of our health's importance. Everyone deserves excellent healthcare, no matter their race or income. Healthcare should be a fundamental human right. Through my degree and as a woman of color, I will help change those negative statistics so that people of color can lead healthy, productive lives.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jan 1, 2023. Winners will be announced on Jan 28, 2023.

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