Dominicus, also known as “DJ,” was a scientist of life and a young man of unshakeable "Black Boy Joy" who loved playing soccer with his friends and dancing with and for his mother.
DJ was a future mechatronic engineer with a heart that beat for his family, who never hesitated to go the extra mile to show up for him. DJ was known for his passion in the classroom and on the field, demonstrating academic achievement, community joy, and family advocacy.
This scholarship seeks to honor DJ by supporting young men and women who mirror his energetic curiosity and kindness.
Any high school senior in Texas who is pursuing Engineering or Healthcare may apply for this scholarship opportunity. However, applicants who are underrepresented minorities, those who have divorced parents, and applicants who demonstrate leadership in sports, music, and the arts are preferred.
To apply, write an essay in response to one of the prompts below. Additionally, share a thirty-second video clip of yourself doing something that brings you joy. Submit a link to your video as a public YouTube link or a Google Drive link. Settings should be set to "public" or "anyone with the link can view." If we can't access your video, your application won't be considered.
Pick one of the following prompts:
1. A Mechatronic Mindset: DJ saw the world as a project to be solved. If you could build one piece of technology (or make a difference) to make your community’s daily life better, what would it be and why?
2. The Black Boy Joy Element: DJ’s energy was infectious, whether he was on the soccer field or the dance floor. Tell us about a moment when you used your own joy to lift up someone else who was having a hard day.
3. The Village Philosophy: Who are the key members of your village and how have they influenced the person you are today?
4. The Infinite Impact: Our theme is #Nfinite8. If you were given a platform to create a positive change that would last infinitely, what would that change be?
5. The Zip-Line Moment: DJ loved adventure and trying new things, from ziplining to learning new Michael Jackson moves. Tell us about a time you stepped out of your comfort zone. What did you discover about yourself on the other side?
6. The Soccer Field Resilience: In sports and in life, we don't always win the game. Describe a "loss" or challenge that you faced and describe how you did not let it detour you from moving forward.
7. Village Support: Parental Alienation Awareness: Family unity was a pillar in DJ’s life. Why do you believe it is important for children to have the unrestricted love and support of their full family (their "village")?
8. The Character Code: What personal values guide your decisions, even when no one is watching? Share a time when you had to stand firm in those values.
The application deadline is Jul 8, 2026. Winners will be announced on Aug 8, 2026.
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Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.
The winner will be publicly announced on Aug 8, 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.
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.