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Kelly Mays Legacy Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Mays
$775
1 winner$775
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 31, 2026
Winners Announced
Sep 1, 2026
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
2
Contributions
Share
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore
State:
Michigan resident
Field of Study:
Psychology or social work
Education Level:
State:
Field of Study:
High school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore
Michigan resident
Psychology or social work

Kelly Mays was a passionate domestic violence advocate who dedicated her life to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and creating safer communities. 

Kelly’s legacy lives on through those who continue her work, leading with compassion, courage, and a commitment to helping others. Investing in the next class of changemakers who will continue to uplift individuals and families in need will create a cycle of progress that lasts for generations to come.

This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing careers in fields that reflect Kelly’s mission of advocacy, healing, and service. 

Any high school senior, college freshman, or college sophomore who is a Michigan resident may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they are pursuing a four-year degree in psychology or social work and if they have a passion for helping others, advocacy, or community impact.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
$775
1 winner$775
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 31, 2026
Winners Announced
Sep 1, 2026
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
2
Contributions
Share
Essay Topic

Kelly Mays dedicated her life to advocating for individuals affected by domestic violence and ensuring they felt seen, heard, and supported.


Describe a personal experience, moment, or realization that inspired your interest in psychology or social work. How do you plan to use your education to advocate for others, create change, or support vulnerable communities?

400–600 words

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Winners and Finalists

September 2026

Winners
Arielle Echols
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Southfield, MI
Finalists
Grace Mattson
Saginaw Valley State University
St Ignace, MI
Jayda King
Wayne Memorial High School
Inkster, MI
Madison Mizell
Central Michigan University
Canton, MI
Makayla Rushing
Michigan State University
Flint, MI
Anaya Easter
University of Michigan-Dearborn
St Clair Shores, MI
Brayden Daniels
Adrian College
Rockford, MI

Winning Application

Arielle Echols
University of Phoenix-ArizonaSouthfield, MI
I have always been deeply intrigued by the diversity of human behavior. Every individual possesses a unique psychological makeup shaped by an intricate blend of past experiences, childhood environments, and inherited traumas. These elements dictate how a person navigates the world, processes adversity, and responds to crisis. Understanding this complexity is not just an academic interest for me; it is a vital tool I intend to use to spark a movement of healing and psychological resilience in my community. Growing up as a Black girl in Detroit, I have witnessed firsthand how heavily a person’s environment influences their trajectory. Far too often, the individuals in my community become products of their environment, locked in survival mode. The unhealthy coping mechanisms surrounding trauma, anxiety, and depression that I see today are rarely isolated incidents; instead, they are historical. They are directly linked to how our parents and grandparents learned to react to their own systemic stressors. Without intervention, these patterns dictate how my peers currently react, and inevitably, how the next generation of children will react. This cycle of generational trauma requires a specialized, empathetic approach to breaking it. True, lasting change across Detroit does not happen overnight, but it can start with a single, deliberate step that ripples outward. My ultimate goal in studying psychology is to be that catalyst. I want to equip my hometown with the psychological literacy and emotional tools necessary to process traumatic events, manage depression, and unlearn maladaptive survival traits. To create a revolution of mental wellness in Detroit, the information must come from someone who understands the culture, the history, and the heartbeat of the city. Being able to teach, translate, and explain clinical psychological concepts to my people in a way that is accessible and free of stigma is the most direct path to sustainable community healing. When we give people the language to understand their pain, we empower them to change their narrative. This scholarship represents more than just financial assistance for my education; it is an investment in the future of Detroit. By supporting my academic journey in psychology, you are enabling me to gain the clinical training, research insights, and professional credentials required to implement effective mental health resources where they are needed most. Armed with this degree, I will return to my community not just as an observer of human behavior but as a practitioner of change, dedicated to turning a cycle of trauma into a legacy of triumph and emotional freedom.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 31, 2026. Winners will be announced on Sep 1, 2026.

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 Sep 1, 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.

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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