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Waves of Inspiration Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
Dolphin Doodle Fund
$3,000
2 winners, $1,500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 16, 2025
Winners Announced
Jun 5, 2025
Education Level
High School
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Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
Passion:
Arts
Location:
Virginia
Education Level:
Passion:
Location:
High school senior
Arts
Virginia

Fostering creativity and supporting the next generation of artists, especially those from underrepresented groups, is critical for the beauty and happiness of the world. 

Alumni of Ocean Lakes High School remember how the arts, though available, were not strongly fostered during their high school years. Art plays a crucial role in many lives, and it’s essential to ensure that current students have the encouragement and support they need to thrive in their artistic endeavors.

This scholarship seeks to inspire and assist students who are passionate about the arts so they can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.

Any senior in Virginia who is passionate about the arts, whether as a career field or as a hobby, may apply for this scholarship opportunity. However, underrepresented students are preferred.

To apply, write a short essay telling us about your “why" and submit an example of your artwork.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Scholarships for High School SeniorsHigh School ScholarshipsVirginia Scholarships
Scholarships for College Students
Art ScholarshipsEssay Scholarships
Published August 27, 2024
$3,000
2 winners, $1,500 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
May 16, 2025
Winners Announced
Jun 5, 2025
Education Level
High School
Share
Essay Topic

“Why?”


In 250 words or less, respond to this prompt in any way that feels meaningful to you. Your response can be about your passion for the arts, your personal journey, your goals, or any topic that you feel answers this question in a way that represents who you are. We encourage you to be creative, authentic, and honest in your response. There are no right or wrong answers—just your unique perspective.

50–250 words

Winners and Finalists

June 2025

Winners
Yvea Robinson
Blacksburg High
Blacksburg, VA
Silas Soto
Courtland High
Fredericksburg, VA
Finalists
Samantha Fath
New York University
Moseley, VA
Julia Le Strat
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Fishersville, VA

Winning Applications

Yvea Robinson
Blacksburg HighBlacksburg, VA
“Why?” That’s a question I often get when I tell people I want to do both Art and Engineering in college. They will ask “So you’re doing architecture?” When I reply “No”, then they go “Well, it’s good to have hobbies, engineering is such a tough subject.” Truth is I want to merge art and engineering on equal terms, and do that as my job. People incorrectly think of art and engineering as total opposites. In fact, both subjects are based on visual thinking and require creativity. The sculptor and the mechanical engineer both build structures, if for different reasons. Unfortunately, in today’s world the artistic element is usually an afterthought, because society has split the engineer from the designer, valuing function much higher than beauty. This might make sense in the zombie apocalypse, but until civilization falls, this idea is completely wrong. It wasn’t always this way. In the past, function and aesthetics often went together. Gargoyles, for example, are fantastical sculptures as much as functional spouts, protecting buildings from rain. But there are areas where both subjects combine equally, even today. Pop-up books, for example, are both engineered machines and works of art. This is why I recently got into paper art. It allows me to combine the two subjects that I love, and show the world that aesthetics can be an equal partner with functionality from the start, and not just a decoration added at the end.
Silas Soto
Courtland HighFredericksburg, VA

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is May 16, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jun 5, 2025.

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 Jun 5, 2025. 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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