Tia Lukeya Woods from Books Pages to Boarding Passes Scholarship
The Tia Lukeya Woods from Books Pages to Boarding Passes Scholarship honors the life and legacy of a woman who believed that learning doesn’t stop at the edge of a single syllabus and certainly doesn’t stop at the border of a single country. Tia was a proud graduate of Paine College, a lifelong learner, and a passionate global traveler whose curiosity knew no bounds. Raised in the Bronx, a cultural heartbeat of New York City, Tia carried with her a sharp intellect, quick wit, and an unshakable pride in who she was and where she came from. And while she held that pride deeply, it never confined her. It fueled a desire to look beyond her borough, beyond her city, and country to better understand the world and her place in it.
Following her undergraduate education at Paine College, Tia pursued graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University and later earned a master’s degree from New York University, embodying a belief that education was not simply a milestone but a lifelong pursuit. She was equally “book smart and street smart,” thriving in debate, conversation, and critical thought…always learning, always growing.
For Tia, education extended beyond the classroom. Her passport doubled as her syllabus. She found purpose in exploration, collecting passport stamps, immersing herself in new cultures, and making connections across the globe. Exploring the world was one of her greatest joys, and she believed that experiencing different people, places, and perspectives was the key to becoming a more thoughtful, grounded, and expansive human being. Her curiosity was serious, but she never took the joy out of the journey. Tia loved to have fun!
This scholarship is designed for curious and courageous learners with currently enrolled in a Historically Black College or University. Strong applicants will demonstrate financial need, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine desire to engage the world thoughtfully. Awards may be used to offset the cost of tuition, required academic books and materials and/or to support study abroad programs, global learning opportunities, or other approved educational travel experiences.
Through this scholarship, Tia’s legacy lives on in students who read deeply, think boldly, explore bravely, and engage the world with the same curiosity, confidence, and joy that defined her life. Selected recipients will be publicly honored as part of sharing Tia Lukeya Woods’ story and the stories of those who carry it forward.
Any undergraduate student at an HBCU who has at least a 2.5 GPA and financial need may apply for this scholarship opportunity. Preference is given to students for whom this scholarship would meaningfully reduce an educational or experiential barrier. This scholarship prioritizes curiosity, intention, and alignment with values over academic perfection. Furthermore, students with compelling perspectives, lived experience, and a desire to learn deeply are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, respond to one of the essay paths below. Creativity is also welcome. Whether through storytelling, visuals, or another thoughtful approach, feel free to bring your story to life in a way that reflects who you are. While not required, you are welcome to complement your essay with supplementary content.
Tia Lukeya Woods believed that learning is something you chase, carry, and choose, whether through books and literature that sharpen your thinking or by crossing cities, states, and national borders that expand your view of the world.
Before you begin, take a moment to reflect on who Tia was: a proud HBCU graduate from The Bronx, New York, an avid reader, a sharp and curious thinker, and a woman who loved community, culture, travel, and understanding the world by setting her eyes on it. In an essay, respond to one of the following paths. Whichever you choose, your response should make clear how your passions, curiosity, and ambitions align with the spirit of Tia’s life and this scholarship.
Path One: Learning Across Borders
Tia believed that travel could be one of life’s best teachers. Describe why you want to study abroad or pursue learning in another country — not just where you want to go, but what you are seeking to understand. What questions about the world, yourself, or your future feel unanswered unless you cross a border to explore them? And how might you use this experience to be a better citizen of the world. Reflect on the financial realities that have shaped your access to global learning and explain how this scholarship would help you turn intention into experience.
Path Two: Learning Through Access
Tia also believed deeply in the power of books and literature and she loved to write! She believed in the idea that access to knowledge can change the trajectory of a life. Describe a time when access to books, academic materials, or learning resources significantly shaped — or limited — your education. Be specific and use the “power of your pen” to take us on the journey: What kind of learning becomes possible when those resources are within reach? How would this scholarship allow you to engage your studies more fully, more freely, or more deeply?
In either path, reflect on how you would carry what you gain forward into your academic work, your community, or your understanding of the world. This scholarship is not simply about what you will receive, but about how you will grow, move, and think differently because of it.
Make Tia Lukeya proud!
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FAQ
The application deadline is Jul 7, 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 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.
