Shining Star Scholarship

Funded by
$1,500
1 winner$1,500
Open
Apply Now
Application Deadline
Jun 30, 2026
Winners Announced
Jul 31, 2026
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate or trade school student
State:
Missouri
Background:
At least one year personally sober or has a sibling who passed from an overdose

Steven was a beaming light of positivity who touched countless lives before his passing. He was only 21 years old. Tragically his death was linked to the devastating fentanyl crisis.

Steven once said he wouldn’t change any of the difficulties he encountered with his substance abuse. He felt the struggle had made him a better and more empathetic person.

Addiction is an awful disease that rips apart families, causes financial strain, and cuts many lives short.

Substance abuse can be difficult to stop and hard to stay away from, but recovery is possible. Those who pursue recovery often have to demonstrate incredible willpower and drive, and they should be encouraged to maintain their sobriety and take back their lives.

This scholarship aims to honor an incredible son who passed from a drug overdose by supporting those who are sober or have lost a loved one to substance abuse.

Any undergraduate or trade school student in Missouri who has been sober from substance abuse for at least one year or has a sibling who passed from an overdose may apply for this scholarship opportunity. However, applicants pursuing STEM are preferred.

To apply, tell us about your experience with substance abuse and how you have stayed sober or coped with losing your sibling to substance abuse.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published November 17, 2025
Essay Topic

Explain your experience with substance abuse. How have you found the motivation to a.) stay sober or b.) face the loss of your sibling from substance abuse?

400600 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jun 30, 2026. Winners will be announced on Jul 31, 2026.