Mary D. Scholarship

Funded by

Ryan

Eligibility Requirements

Education Level:

Undergraduate or graduate student

Age:

25+

Gender:

Female-identifying

State:

Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, or Connecticut

Education Level:

Age:

Gender:

State:

Undergraduate or graduate student

25+

Female-identifying

Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, or Connecticut

Mary Delores Ryan was a beloved grandmother who left her mark on her family, community, and the world at large.

Mary was a hardworking pioneer in Rhode Island social programs who was dedicated to improving the world. She worked tirelessly to support her family, help her loved ones through their struggles, and raise her four children, all while putting herself through college in her 50s. After leading an impactful life, Mary was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia in the mid-2000s, passing away in 2015 and leaving behind a legacy of greatness carried on by her family.

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Mary D. Ryan by supporting female students who are pursuing their educational goals later in life.

Any female undergraduate or graduate student in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, or Connecticut who is at least 25 years old, starting school later in life, or returning after a break may apply for this scholarship. However, applicants with volunteering experience or a background benefiting from social programs are preferred.

To apply, tell us what adversity you’ve overcome, what inspired you to return to school, and what your post-graduate goals are.

Selection Criteria:

Ambition, Drive, Impact

Adult Scholarships Scholarships for Women Rhode Island Scholarships Massachusetts Scholarships New Hampshire Scholarships Maine Scholarships Vermont Scholarships Connecticut Scholarships Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate School Scholarships

Scholarships for Undergraduate Women

Scholarships for College Students

Graduate Scholarships for Women College Students Scholarships Scholarships for Minorities Essay Scholarships Scholarships for Moms to Apply for in 2025

Published December 22, 2023

Essay Topic

What type of adversity have you overcome? What influenced your decision to return to school? What do you hope to do once you graduate?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2024

Winners

Simone Jeffries

Western Connecticut State University

Sherman, CT

Finalists

Nkechi Chikezie

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Community College of Rhode Island

Woonsocket, RI

Winning Application

Simone Jeffries

Western Connecticut State UniversitySherman, CT

I have overcome a lot of adversity as a young woman, when it comes to dealing with doctors and nurses and medical practice, in general. I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy at the early age of 15 years old and was prescribed several different stimulants so I could stay awake in class and be as productive as my peers. The side effects of those medication’s and combination with hormones and just growing up as a young girl definitely forced me to deal with many issues especially the side effects that most of my peers did not have to undergo. Because narcolepsy and cataplexy is a incurable disease. I have been on medication every day since I was 15 as a result of this. But I am most passionate about the adversity that I have overcome as a young African-American woman and mother. As a mother of three young girls, each and every experience during labor and delivery definitely has had a huge influence on my decision to pursue my nursing career. I have overcome struggles every time during labor and delivery as a young woman and hope to make a difference one day in the field for other women entering motherhood. with the delivery of my first and oldest daughter Laila in 2012, I experienced Medicaid discrimination due to my race and income status. I almost lost my daughter due to the staff, not listening to me or my needs most likely because it was my first birth experience. My daughter was overdue so I had to go through an induction, which was so traumatic for me, and that was just the beginning. Unfortunately, my daughter ended up with Erbs palsy and had a stroke during delivery, she almost didn’t make it out of the hospital. but fortunately, my mother who is a registered nurse helped me and supported my child so we could get through three years of speech, occupational and physical therapy successfully. Today Laila is about to be 12 years old and thank the heavens she is here with us and healthy as ever today, with no recollection of any of the trauma that I went through during her entrance into this world. Once I graduate, it is my mission to work in labor and delivery and help women with prenatal care and thoroughly discuss thoroughly their delivery options before their transition into motherhood. It will be my passion and honor to treat every patient regardless of race, religion or income status, or age with the same respect and information that they deserve.