Joe D. Martin, Jr. North Star Scholarship
The Joe D. Martin, Jr. North Star Scholarship was created to honor perseverance, promise, and purpose. Joe was raised near North Nashville’s 37208 zip code, an area rich in history and culture but burdened by systemic inequities. Though he was bright, athletic, and a student leader, Joe could not attend college due to financial barriers. This scholarship continues his dream by helping students from North Nashville access the education he never had the chance to pursue.
All four of Nashville’s historic HBCUs—Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, and American Baptist College—are located within the 37208 zip code. Yet many residents nearby cannot afford to attend. The area is among the most impoverished in Tennessee, a food desert, and, according to the Brookings Institution, “the most incarcerated ZIP code in America.” With so many barriers to higher education that is literally next door, Joe’s mission is to help make college a reachable goal.
Any Black high school senior, graduate enrolling in college, or current undergraduate student from the North Nashville area (37208 preferred) who plans to attend or is currently attending Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, Tennessee State University, or American Baptist College may apply.
Applicants with a 3.25 GPA or higher, or those who have lost a parent or sibling to gun violence or have currently or formerly incarcerated parents, will be given preference.
To apply, tell us about yourself and how you plan to make a difference in Nashville through your future career.
Please tell us a bit about yourself and how you plan to make a positive impact in Nashville through your chosen career.
Winners and Finalists
Winning Application
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FAQ
The application deadline is Feb 20, 2026. Winners will be announced on Mar 21, 2026.
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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 Mar 21, 2026. 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.
