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Once Upon a #BookTok Scholarship

Funded by
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Bold.org
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Nov 1, 2024
Winners Announced
Nov 29, 2024
Education Level
Any
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The Once Upon a #BookTok scholarship is crafted to recognize and support students who have been influenced by this digital literary movement. In a time largely dominated by screens and digital content, there is a thriving community of people all over the world who have committed to reading more books and building community around that.

Whether you've discovered a hidden gem through a recommendation you found on #BookTok, engaged in debates about character arcs, or found comfort in a story that was trending on the platform, #BookTok has undeniably shaped the reading journeys of many.

We invite you to dive deep into books that gained traction on #BookTok to create your ideal bookshelf. Whether you're a casual reader or an avid bookworm, if #BookTok has impacted your literary choices, we want to hear your insight.

If you need some help getting started, here are some things to consider when writing your response: As you build your ideal bookshelf, consider plots, characters, themes, and writing style. Reflect on which elements might have struck a chord with you and the #BookTok community. Was it a character's relatability, a captivating plot twist, or perhaps a universal theme? Do you have a personal connection to this book? Share your experiences, emotions, and any changes in perspective the book might have inspired. Dive into how #BookTok amplified the book's message. Were there unique video trends or challenges that further propelled its popularity?

Students from all educational backgrounds are welcome to apply for this scholarship. This scholarship operates on a rolling deadline. However, the sooner you submit your application, the higher your chances of being considered. Don't hesitate—apply now and move one step closer to seizing this unique opportunity!

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
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Published August 22, 2023
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Nov 1, 2024
Winners Announced
Nov 29, 2024
Education Level
Any
Share
Essay Topic

Describe your ideal bookshelf inspired by #BookTok recommendations. Which titles are must-haves, and how have those titles impacted the #BookTok community?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

November 2024

Winners
Karen Hutson
Wellington High School
Wellington, FL
Finalists
Danno Mannino
University of Maine at Augusta
Medford, OR
Aishat Olawunmi
Charles Herbert Flowers High
Upper Marlboro, MD
Evan Sisler
Lincoln College of Technology-Denver
Castle Rock, CO
Gina Fiorenza
Northern Illinois University
Rockford, IL
Gelena Rogers
Paducah School
Paducah, TX
Icys Hickman
Illinois State University
Country Club Hills, IL
Megan Matthews
Forbush High
East Bend, NC
Lauren Scott
CUNY Hunter College
Hudson, WI
Nadia Haeryfar
Emerson College
Ashford, CT

Winning Application

Karen Hutson
Wellington High SchoolWellington, FL
"I hate reading". That used to be my response to anyone talking about books—teachers, my parents, or siblings, I never wanted to read. Growing up in the English subject was never my strong suit, often struggling with spelling or finding the main idea. Luckily that all changed when I made friends with Gabby in the ninth grade. Before high school, I only read one series, which ironically was the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books by Jeff Kinney. One day at lunch, I saw Gabby reading a book called “Punk 57” by Penekope Dougles. At the time the book was trending on tiktok under the tag #booktok with its intense and romantic scenes, but I was 13 at the time so it was shocking that I saw my friend reading such a book in public. We spent lunch talking about books she had read. I had seen how passionate she was about the stories and how they played such an important part in her self Journey. Right Before lunch ended, she gave me a book recommendation for "It Ends with Us" By Colleen Hoover. When I got home,Immediately looked up the book on safari to see where I could buy the book. The first place that came up was 'Barnes and Nobles'. I rushed downstairs and ask my dad, "Can you take me Barnes and Nobles please?" You could imagine his surprise when he saw his non-reader daughter asking to go to a bookstore of all places! Nevertheless, we went, got the book, and dove in. Reading the book took two days, TWO! I was so engrossed in the book, I read it everywhere I went. On the day I finished I was sobbing in my aunt's arms while they told me I was overreacting. But I wasn't. I was undeniably in love with the book. It lets me learn things about people's thoughts and motivations through relationships. Before I would have just said, 'just leave', but that's the hardest part when you share a relationship—whether with friends, family,and especially partners. When I got home I searched "Booktok" on tiktok for more books to feed my new found love for reading. There were so many book recommendations from people my age to adults who have been reading since they were kids! After a few more Colleen Hoover books and controversies, I decided to read a recommended book called “The Cruel Prince”. Everyone around me loved romance books, especially at ages 14-15, when we have not even had our own real relationships. So, I decided to adventure to another book trending on Tiktok In early November to read "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black. A book filled with this new world, unlike anything I had seen. A big mythical place with faes and castles, but mainly focused on protagonist, Jude Durate. Who worked her way to the top no matter the difficulties she faced while being human amongst powerful creatures, even finding love with the cruel prince himself Cardan Greenbriar and even becoming his Queen! To this day the Folk of the Air Trilogy is my favorite, introducing me to my favorite genre: fantasy These two books genuinely changed the way I view the world and myself, I learned strength and resilience through Jude, and how the people we love hurt us way more than we expect through Lily. Now, when I meet people who want to start reading, the first two books I recommend are “The Cruel Prince" and "It Ends With us" "I love reading". Is my new response when talking about books. Funny how times changed.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Nov 1, 2024. Winners will be announced on Nov 29, 2024.

How will scholarship application information be used?

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.

What is the scholarship award?

Award amounts per winner are designated by the donor. Check the award amount for a detailed breakdown.

When will the scholarship winner be chosen? How will they be notified?

The winner will be publicly announced on Nov 29, 2024. 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.

How will the scholarship award be paid?

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.

How will my scholarship application be verified?

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.

How should I get in touch with questions?

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.

Does the scholarship have terms and conditions?

Yes. The terms and conditions for this scholarship can be found here.

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