RJ Memorial Scholarship

$1,000
2 winners, $500 each
Open
Application Deadline
Mar 29, 2024
Winners Announced
Apr 29, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate student
State:
Arkansas
Religion:
Christian
GPA:
2.0 or higher
Education Level:
State:
Religion:
GPA:
High school or undergraduate student
Arkansas
Christian
2.0 or higher

Many students today have big goals for the future but lack the financial resources necessary to achieve them. 

With college tuition and fees alone costing between $9,400 and $36,700 per year depending on school type, a college degree is out of reach for many students. While scholarships and other financial aid options are available, students with low GPAs are often overlooked and left out of many opportunities.

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Ryan "RJ" Edgmon by supporting students in Arkansas who are pursuing higher education.

Any high school or undergraduate student of Christian faith in Arkansas who has at least a 2.0 GPA may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, tell us how your faith has impacted your life and how you plan to use your faith to help others.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published September 29, 2023
$1,000
2 winners, $500 each
Open
Application Deadline
Mar 29, 2024
Winners Announced
Apr 29, 2024
Education Level
Undergraduate, High School
Recent Bold.org scholarship winners
Essay Topic

Please share how your faith has impacted your life and how you plan to use your faith to help others.

400–600 words

Winning Application

Nakeia Jones
Middle Tennessee State UniversityConway, AR
Trying to make the world a better place is not the easiest thing to do, but I have always wanted to make a positive difference. I know we have the potential to turn this world around for the better, so each day I try doing small actions that will lead to that change. I realize to make a difference in this world I have to start with myself. I believe one of the best ways to make the world a better place is to spread the gospel and let others know who Jesus is. Being a christian has not only made my life better, but it has also given me the courage to share the word of God with others. I always remind myself that I may be the only bible that some unbelievers will ever read; therefore, I must always let my christinaity shine through. There have been so many times people have come to me for encouragement during their most difficult moments. Specifically in the past, I had a friend come to me in one of her darkest times while she was battling with suicidal thoughts. I am so thankful she saw me as a person she could come to and that I was able to remind her of how valuable her life is. To continue bettering this world, I also try my best to always be kind. Simply smiling at someone I see in a store can drastically change their mood or day. I love giving people compliments, holding the door, and being extra polite. Being kind doesn’t cost anything and I believe more people should be this way. Another way I help this world is by constantly giving. I am so thankful God continually blesses my family and I. Therefore, I believe the least I can do is give to others. I always go through my closet and take out some clothes that I can donate to people who need them more than me. I was also taught at a young age the importance of giving to the church. When I got my first job I began giving a portion of my paycheck back to God. Overall the world can become a better place by doing so many different things. I know that it will take effort from everyone to truly see a change one day; however, I am proud to say that I’ve gotten a head start. I will continue to give, spread the word of God, be kind, and so much more because I know that’s what’s best.
Andrew Papasan
Ouachita Baptist UniversityDanville, AR
To help others I had to first become who I was called to be. On August 28th, 2016 I surrendered to Ministry at my home church, FBC Danville in Danville, Arkansas. I wrestled for months with this decision of surrendering after past sins and struggles. What came after that was a weight lifted off my shoulders because from that moment moving forward I have been able to be who God called and created me to be. 4 years ago in 2018 I had a very difficult moment where I thought ministry was going to be over. As a 9-year-old boy, I was raped and molested by someone my parents trusted to watch me. I never spoke about it and never revealed it to anyone, but the person who did it was in a bad way and tried to reveal that story as a way to get my father to help him in a situation he needed assistance with. When this was revealed to me I went thru a lot of emotions that had been bottled up and covered up over the years with prescription substance abuse and other poor choices. I went to therapy for months and was able to finally speak about my experiences to my youth group. On that night we had several youth kids in tears and were finally able to see someone else they looked up to had been thru rough times as well. Your prompt question is asking how we've helped others and this story is one of them. I'm not afraid to let my past mistakes and past experiences be a crutch that I try not to let the Lord use, but rather allow the Lord to use my life and my story in a way that he shines thru all that he has gotten me thru. I will graduate in the Spring from Ouachita Baptist University with a bachelor's degree in Christian studies with an emphasis in Theology. That degree will go to help me as I take pastor jobs and teach God's grace and Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross for everyone. After that, I am accepted into Grand Canyon University's graduate program for Licensed Mental Health Counseling. I want to help others at an earlier stage than me get help and be a resource for others when life puts them thru the fire. That way even if I am called to a full-time pastor position I can use my degrees and training to better serve others, and if I remain bi-vocational then I am better equipped to help others in the secular world as well as in my church and community. Thank you for your consideration and God Bless Andrew Papasan

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Mar 29, 2024. Winners will be announced on Apr 29, 2024.