The Ethel Hayes Scholarship honors Ethel Hayes, who died by suicide in 1973. Founded by Dr. Terence O. Hayes Sr., it awards $4,500 to students impacted by mental health challenges, reducing stigma.
This scholarship supports U.S. students in higher education. Applicants submit a 400-600 word essay sharing how mental health shapes their goals. It fosters open conversations, particularly in the Black community.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for college-age youth. The scholarship empowers students to pursue education while advocating for mental health awareness, creating a lasting impact.
Dr. Hayes, a Dayton pastor, channels grief into advocacy. Hosted on Bold.org, the scholarship invites vulnerable, authentic storytelling from students to destigmatize mental health struggles.
The award funds tuition for high school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students. It requires no minimum GPA, focusing instead on personal resilience and commitment to mental health advocacy.
Scholarship Coverage
The Ethel Hayes Scholarship provides $4,500 for tuition, fees, or educational expenses. The one-time award is disbursed directly to the winner’s school, supporting any postsecondary program.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Amount | $4,500 (total award; may be split among winners in some cycles) |
| Number of Awards | 1 (though past cycles awarded 2 at $2,200 each) |
| Renewable? | No; one-time award |
| Payment | Disbursed directly to the winner’s school for tuition, fees, or related expenses |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, residents, or DACA recipients in higher education. They need personal or familial mental health experience and submit an essay. No GPA requirement applies.
- Personal or Familial Experience: Applicants must have faced mental health issues themselves or supported a family member/friend dealing with them.
- Academic Level: Open to all students pursuing postsecondary education, regardless of major or field of study.
- Citizenship/Residency: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients. GPA Requirement: No minimum GPA specified; emphasis is on personal story and impact.
Application Process
Submit a 400-600 word essay on Bold.org by June 13, 2026, detailing mental health’s impact on your goals. Create a Bold.org profile and follow instructions to apply. How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay
Deadline: June 13, 2026 (for the 2025/2026 cycle; confirm on the official site as dates may adjust annually).
Requirements:
- Complete the Bold.org profile (takes ~2 minutes).
- Submit a short essay (typically 400-600 words) responding to the prompt: “How has your experience with mental health shaped your goals, relationships, and understanding of the world?”
- No letters of recommendation or transcripts required.
Selection Criteria: Bold.org evaluates based on “boldness” traits like earnestness, determination, and forward momentum. Essays should demonstrate vulnerability, resilience, and a commitment to mental health advocacy.
