For DonorsFor Applicants

Marie Jean Baptiste Memorial Scholarship

$1,000
1 winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 30, 2024
Winners Announced
Aug 30, 2024
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Ethnicity:
African American
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate
Background:
Non-profit, volunteering or community service

Marie Jean Baptiste was a powerhouse of a woman who tirelessly supported her family while serving her community.

Marie dedicated herself to providing a brighter future for her family while extending her nurturing spirit to other children in need. Despite not completing formal education, she instilled a deep appreciation for learning in her family. She lived 93 years and was blessed to witness her grandchildren obtain multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees. 

This scholarship seeks to support students who embody Marie's commitment to education and community service.

Any African American high school senior or undergraduate who has contributed to their family and has non-profit, volunteering or community service experience may apply. Students of Haitian descent are encouraged to apply and will be given preference.

To apply, in an essay or a video(4-5min) tell us about your background and discuss how you actively contribute to your family and community. Articulate your plans for sustained community involvement post-college. If you are of Haitian descent, kindly highlight this in your response.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Service
Published January 23, 2024
Essay Topic

Tell us about your background and discuss how you actively contribute to your family and community. Articulate your plans for sustained community involvement post-college. If you are of Haitian descent, kindly highlight this in your response.

300–500 words

Winning Application

Maurisa Marcelin
University of GeorgiaDacula, GA
Maya Angelou once said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This resonates with me from witnessing the impact of community through involvement in my Haitian church and my dedication to reform- justice and immigration. Growing up in a Haitian household, with both of my parents from Haiti, I have always felt connected to my roots and community. My father is a pastor, so I was surrounded by hard-working Haitian Christians who regard their community highly. Due to this upbringing, the importance of community and a support system is very valuable to me. Within my church, I have helped organize many events and banquets that unite the Haitian community in the Dacula/Lawrenceville area. Our biggest event is a Christian retreat. Many people from our church go, and we all drive together from Georgia to the Pennsylvania mountains. It is called the Blue Mountain Christian Retreat, and we have been going since I was 4. We worship, eat, talk, and fellowship together for a week. It is a week of baptisms, miracles, and joy. Haitians come from all over: New York, Rhode Island, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. I play the keyboard during each worship service hold, and the presence of the Lord can be felt. My major in college is political science, and I have plans to be a lawyer. As a black woman in America, I see and feel the unjust treatment of black people. So when I become a lawyer, I am leaning in between criminal law and immigration law. Criminal law has always had a hold on me. I know that the prison system and the justice system are unfair and ultimately fail so many people, but I want to be able to play a role in setting it right. After learning about the Central Park Five, I wanted to help free innocent black people in jail. As a woman, I also want to help convict rapists, especially those who have money and influence and would usually get away with it. However, nowadays I am leaning more towards immigration law. Both of my parents are immigrants from Haiti, and I know how long the immigration process is. It can take forever, and some people may not have that time due to their home situation. My mom and her siblings were in Haiti while my grandma came to America and dealt with more paperwork to bring her children over. I want to make the situation less stressful, show families a friendly face, and provide a helping hand. So many Haitians were able to come to America because of President Joe Biden, and in the future, my goal is to continue to help people cross the border safely and legally. The state of Haiti right now is not great—the political climate as well as the gang violence in the streets—so aiding people in their journey is a dream of mine.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 30, 2024. Winners will be announced on Aug 30, 2024.

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