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Sarah F. Watson and James E. Dashiell Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Nasir Neal-Watson
$500
1 winner$500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 9, 2025
Winners Announced
Sep 9, 2025
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate
School:
Historically Black College or University

The college experience is full of ups and downs. 

Some students struggle with classes, while others may not have the funds to pay for their schooling. As a way of giving back to the community and providing students financial assistance, the Sarah F. Watson and James E. Dashiell Scholarship will support students at a Historically Black College or University as they earn their higher education.

Undergraduate students are eligible to apply if they are attending an HBCU. To apply, write about why charity is important to you and how you plan on giving back in the future.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
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Published February 4, 2025
Essay Topic

In what ways is charity important to you? How do you intend to give back in the future?

100–250 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Nafisa Mills
Howard UniversityAliquippa, PA
Charity dressed me for school. It fed me when our kitchen cabinets were empty. It ensured that Christmas morning still felt magical, even when my mother's precious smile hid exhaustion and worry. No grand gestures, no cameras, and no drawn-out speeches. Just a box of food, a warm coat, a wrapped toy that made me feel seen when we felt invisible. Charity is personal to me, it's all I've ever known, it provided small bursts of joy during a season of struggle. It's the reason my family didn't have to go without. The reminder that we mattered. I aim to be part of the five percent of African American pediatricians. Not to check off a box on my resume, but because I know what it feels like to be a child in need of comfort, care, and someone who looks like them in a room full of strangers. I want to be the doctor who understands health is not just about prescriptions, but about equity, access, and whether or not you went to bed hungry the night before. I'll give back by showing up in schools, shelters, and clinics. I'll organize drives, mentor, and advocate. I'll be the person who whispers to another Black child, "Yes, you can." Because someone did that for me, through a bag of groceries, a winter coat, and a wrapped gift. Charity gave me more than things, it gave me motivation, which I now plan use to turn my dreams into reality.
Keyona Henry
University of Maryland Eastern ShoreDundalk, MD
Charity is important to me because it is all I’ve ever known growing up. As an African American Muslim queer woman, i was born into adversity and challenges are not at all an unfamiliar territory for me. As a child my mother and I were in various unfortunate living situations and always were welcomed with open arms to local organizations and communities that seemed to help and provide for those in need. To be raised through these organizations for a good portion of my childhood, I saw a lot of the negatives as I did the positives, but for every negative that I witnessed, there were positive people and events that occurred to help eradicate those once negative situations. To learn the in’s and out’s of charity and have been always taught to appreciate what I have been giving and blessed with has immediately instilled in me to ensure that I give back to my own community as well as others not because I feel obligated to but in fact want to since that’s who helped raise me into the woman I am today. Once I obtain my DPT in Physical Therapy I plan to open clinics across the country in order to start and fund multiple charities I hold close to my heart while accompanying them as a partner in their mission plans and furthering their goals to become accomplished. Some include: The Women's Coalition Inc, Cornerstone Community Housing, Helping Up Mission and The Baltimore Station Inc.
Caleb Goslee
University of Maryland Eastern ShoreSalisbury, MD
As humans, there are many obstacles we face in life. Being in the position to be able to help those in need is vital to maintaining society. I intend on giving back in the future by teaching the youth about financial literacy and generational wealth.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 9, 2025. Winners will be announced on Sep 9, 2025.