
A perfect path is not required. Persistence is what matters. Persistence should be recognized, especially for students whose path to higher education has not been traditional or easy.
Pursuing a college education can be difficult for anyone, with homework, studying, networking, and other responsibilities posing a significant burden. However, students who are also dealing with other journeys, such as parenthood or employment, must balance all the duties of school with the other tasks in their lives.
This scholarship aims to support students who are continuing their education while overcoming financial hardship, employment demands, caregiving responsibilities, educational setbacks, or other significant life challenges.
Any high school senior or undergraduate student from North Carolina or South Carolina who is attending or planning to attend an HBCU may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they demonstrate financial need.
To apply, tell us about an obstacle you’ve faced, how you responded, what responsibilities you are balancing today, and how an HBCU education will impact your future and that of your family or community. Additionally, upload a letter of recommendation from a professor, advisor, employer, mentor, counselor, or community leader.
Tell us about an obstacle, setback, or significant challenge you have faced. How did you respond, what responsibilities are you balancing today, and what did the experience teach you about yourself? Then explain how earning an education from an HBCU will help you achieve your goals and positively impact your family, community, or others.
How it works

Step 01
Bold.org helps students show donors who they are beyond a transcript.

Step 02
Every scholarship is funded by donors and managed directly on Bold.org.
Step 03
Scholarship dollars are disbursed through Bold.org to help students pay for school.
The application deadline is Mar 8, 2027. Winners will be announced on Apr 8, 2027.
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.
Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Apr 8, 2027. 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.