For DonorsFor Applicants

Lee Avenatti Memorial Scholarship

$2,500
1 winner$2,500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 1, 2022
Winners Announced
Sep 7, 2022
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate student
Identity:
LGBTQ+
Background:
Has spent time in a group home or foster care

Lee Avenatti was a devoted father and advocate who dedicated his professional life to working with young people who had been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. This scholarship seeks to honor Lee's memory by supporting students with a history of time spent in out-of-home care (group homes or foster care).

Young people who are removed from their familial home often experience many emotional and logistical obstacles, and in subsequent years, do not have access to the generational resources that many students benefit from. With fewer financial resources and guidance, these students need additional support to pursue higher education so they can pursue financial stability and create generational prosperity.

Any self-identified LGBTQIA+ high school or undergraduate student who is motivated, passionate, and has a history of time spent in a group home or foster care may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, please answer the questions below about your life experiences, educational goals, and how this scholarship would support those goals.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published May 14, 2022
Essay Topic

How has living in a group home or foster care affected your academic success? How have your life experiences shaped your perspective on education and the future, as well as your goals? What are your goals and vision for the education program you are in/applying to? How would receiving this scholarship support your goals?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Harley Six
Trinity Valley Community CollegeCrandall, TX
I had been in and out of foster care my whole childhood. My biological mother was disabled and my biological father was not very present in my life. My mother was disabled from schizophrenia and was unmedicated so I suffered from several forms of abuse, and neglect, as well as malnourished. She eventually lost custody. I then permanently resided in the foster care system from the age of 11 years old until I was 16. At that point, my foster family kicked me out and left me homeless. This was for many reasons, including my newfound queer identity. I spent those formative years jumping between homes and school districts. I had difficulty making friends, receiving medical care, and forming relationships. Because of the constant change in living situations, I was oblivious to the queer community's existence, and my place in it. Foster care made it extremely difficult to learn and retain information due to constantly changing schools and the mental strain of home life. I was never able to pass a multiplication test or spelling test. In several aspects, I was far behind my peers. I missed several key courses, such as geography, that my peers all knew and excelled at. I did well in school considering that information and the only time I felt safe was when I was at school, so I buried myself in my studies. Once I reached junior high, I was only moving about once a year so I did much better in my classes. I started taking advanced courses in math, language, history, and science. My perspective on my future and education felt hopeless and unstable. Being in an unstable environment for so long has caused a dark look on life. I am pursuing a nursing degree until I am stable enough financially to pursue my dream career of becoming a doctor. My goals for the program I am currently enrolled in focus on building a safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and providing the comfort of being cared for by a fellow member. As a doctor, I hope to be able to help reduce the stigma surrounding affirmative care. Receiving this scholarship could help me achieve my dreams of feeling secure, and helping others feel that same comfort and safety. In the long term, I would love to volunteer my time and skills to help different organizations with what assistance they may need and spread information about affordable care.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 1, 2022. Winners will be announced on Sep 7, 2022.

This scholarship has been awarded, but we have hundreds more!
Find a perfect scholarship now