Whether you’ve personally been traumatized by bullies, have intervened on classmates’ behalf, or pioneered bullying prevention programs, anti-bullying scholarships could be a great option for financial aid.
Aggressive, bullying behavior is a major issue negatively affecting the well-being of school-aged children nationwide. The NCES reports that one out of five (20.8 percent) of U.S. students report being bullied. With the rise of social media, the percentage of students affected by cyberbullying has nearly doubled from 18 to 34 percent since 2007.
Research has found that bullying victims are at increased risk for academic problems, addiction, mental illness, and suicide. Stopping the cycle of torment begins with classmates who stand against judging others based on looks, race, disability, and sexual orientation.
The following community-minded scholarships give financial motivation for students to organize anti-bullying projects that silence hate and unkindness.
1. ATG Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship
Deadline: May 15th
Against the Grain (ATG) Productions is a volunteer-based nonprofit in Dallas that has offered the Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship for $1,500 annually since 2011. It’s intended for college juniors and graduate students who’ve shown visionary leadership in improving their campus community. Anti-bullying advocates with at least 50 percent Asian heritage and cumulative GPAs above 3.5 can apply by submitting a video presentation of their life-changing work.
Contact
ATG Groundbreaker Leadership Scholarship
3839 McKinney Avenue Site 155-213
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 599-9191
outreach@againstthegrainproductions.com
2. Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Scholarships
Deadline: February 14th
The Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Foundation was organized in 2010 to memorialize an active, 11-year-old sixth grader from Springfield, Massachusetts, who committed suicide to escape torment at school. The Foundation awards 15 scholarships for $500 to $1,500 apiece for college-bound high school seniors who’ve started anti-bullying efforts in their school or community. Eligible candidates must pass the MCAS or equivalent, gain admission at accredited U.S. colleges, and hold a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Contact
Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Scholarships
P.O. Box 4316
Springfield, MA 01101
(413) 219-3118
carljoseph11@gmail.com
3. Chely Wright LIKEME Scholarship Program
Deadline: May 31st
Started by an ACM Award-winning country music singer, the Chely Wright LIKEME Scholarship Program gifts $6,500 total annually to 13 exemplary high school seniors who have actively advocated for anti-bullying and LGBTQ inclusion. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students severely affected by bullying can also apply. Eligibility criteria includes pursuing higher education, maintaining a minimum “B-” average, and exhibiting leadership skills through community service.
Contact
Chely Wright LIKEME Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 1605
Belton, MO 64012
(816) 974-2907
Char@likeme.org
4. Courtney Lee Gant Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) offers the Courtney Lee Grant Memorial Scholarship for $500 to graduating seniors at Stockton High School in Southwest Missouri who are anti-bullying advocates. Preference is given to students with a minimum 2.1 GPA who are pursuing two- or four-year college degrees in fine arts. Applicants must be returned to the school’s counselor with a resume of volunteer experience and essay on the affects of bullying.
Contact
Courtney Lee Gant Memorial Scholarship
425 E. Trafficway Street
Springfield, MO 65801
(417) 864-6199
cfo@cfozarks.org
5. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 31st
Established in 1961 to honor activist Marian Davis who died of breast cancer and expanded by Norton S. Putter, the Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund provides up to $10,000 for young adults who are actively working against racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, and other injustices. Suitable U.S. college undergraduates or graduates can apply by submitting their Student Aid Report (SAR), two recommendation letters, official transcripts, and a maximum 1,000-word essay of their progressive social work.
Contact
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 7307
New York, NY 10016
(212) 343-1234
administrator@davisputter.org
6. Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award
Deadline: June 30th
The Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award bestows $1,000 each summer to support young adults who’ve found innovative ways to stop online harassment. Online applications are available to any United States citizens or legal residents who are finishing their high school diploma or studying at accredited post-secondary institutions. Selection is primarily based on candidates’ creative, 500-word response to the question: “How has cyberbullying personally affected you?”
Contact
Delete Cyberbullying Scholarship Award
2261 Market Street Suite 291
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 643-1822
help@deletecyberbullying.org
7. DoSomething.com I Beat Bullying Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
Featuring over 5.5 million members in 131 countries, DoSomething.com is a global, nonprofit social campaign rewarding positive change with numerous funds, including the $3,000 I Beat Bullying Scholarship. Active volunteers between 13 and 25 years old can apply without an application by simply submitting a photo while holding a sign with their anti-bullying tactic. The Be a STAR Rally Anti-Bullying Game will also reopen soon for $5,000.
Contact
DoSomething.com I Beat Bullying Scholarship
19 West 21st Street 8th Floor
New York, NY 10010
(212) 254-2390
help@dosomething.org
8. Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
Deadline: April 15th
Since 2001, the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes has been presented by Thomas A. Barron LLC for $5,000 to 25 public-spirited advocates who work to improve their schools and communities. Eligible applicants must be between 8 and 18 years old, reside in the United States or Canada, and have led inspiring service, such as anti-bullying, projects in the last year. Recipients also earn a personalized plaque and signed copy of The Hero’s Trail.
Contact
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
P.O. Box 1470
Boulder, CO 80306
director@barronprize.org
9. Hollister Co. Anti-Bullying Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The National Society of High School Scholars Foundation (NSHSS) partnered with Hollister Co. President Fran Horowitz to provide the $2,500 Anti-Bullying Scholarship to graduating high school seniors globally with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Funding is extended to teenagers who’ve persevered despite serious bullying and those who’ve spearheaded anti-bullying campaigns in their schools. The application process involves sending a transcript, teacher recommendation, resume, high-resolution photo, and 500-word personal statement.
Contact
Hollister Co. Anti-Bullying Scholarship
1936 N. Druid Hills Road
Atlanta, GA 30319
(404) 235-5500
susan.thurman@nshssfoundation.org
10. Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Scholarships
Deadline: July 31st
For 50 years, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership has rewarded teenage change makers with three $1,000 college scholarships annually. Anti-bullying advocates who have completed over 250 hours of community service, been HOBY Alumnus, displayed outstanding leadership skills and integrity, been accepted at accredited U.S. colleges, and significantly improved others’ lives can apply. Additional scholarships exist at Florida State University, Marietta College, and Texas Christian University.
Contact
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Scholarships
31255 Cedar Valley Drive Suite 327
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 851-3980
hoby@hoby.org
11. IBPA Student Scholarship Program
Deadline: None
The International Bullying Prevention Association (IBPA) hosts its Student Scholarship Program annually to provide two $500 awards for high school seniors or current college students who’ve stood up against bullying. Funding can be used for full-time tuition, housing, or textbooks at any accredited, nonprofit four-year institution in the United States. Online applications are accepted year-round by students with a minimum 2.0 GPA who compose 250-word responses to three anti-bullying questions.
Contact
IBPA Student Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 99217
Troy, MI 48099
(800) 929-0397
info@ibpaworld.org
12. John Trout Anti-Bullying Scholarship
Deadline: May 1st
Recently started by the Class of 1975 under Pamela Olanders’ vigilant activism, William Fremd High School in Palatine, Illinois, offers the John Trout Anti-Bullying Scholarship for $5,000 to one male and one female senior annually. The fund honors their late classmate who was severely bullied for behavior characteristic of high-functioning autism. Both scholarships are given anonymously with one for a student who’s been bullied and another who’s bravely stopped bullies.
Contact
John Trout Anti-Bullying Scholarship
1750 S. Roselle Road
Palatine, IL 60067
(847) 755-2600
pamelaolander711@gmail.com
13. Long Island Anti-Bullying Scholarship
Deadline: March 18th
Goldstein & Bashner, a personal injury law firm in Nassau County, offers the Long Island Anti-Bullying Scholarship for $1,000, $700, and $300 each year. It’s intended for graduating public or private high school seniors entering accredited U.S. higher education who have actively promoted bully-free environments. Applications are judged based on candidates’ 500-word essays sharing how they’ve personally helped specific students who were being bullied.
Contact
Long Island Anti-Bullying Scholarship
1778 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
(516) 874-0466
scholarship@licab.org
14. Megan Meier Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: November 7th
Encouraging students to “Be the Change,” the Megan Meier Foundation bestows scholarships for $500 to $1,000 for courageous high school seniors across the U.S. who’ve made a positive impact concerning bullying and cyberbullying issues. Eligibility criteria requires enrolling full-time in academics, intending to graduate with a diploma in Spring, holding a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, promoting tolerance of differences in their school community, and submitting at least one faculty recommendation.
Contact
Megan Meier Memorial Scholarships
515 Jefferson Street, Suite A
St. Charles, MO 63301
(636) 757-3501
info@meganmeierfoundation.org
15. Parentinn Cyberbullying Prevention Scholarship
Deadline: February 28th
Parentinn.com runs the Cyberbullying Prevention Scholarship annually to provide $1,000 via PayPal to students who form the best 600 to 1,000-word essay titled “Why and How to Stop Cyberbullying.” Eligible entrants should be United States citizens or legal residents who are planning to enter an accredited university for undergraduate or post-graduate study. Each submission is judged on 100 percent uniqueness, creativity, and dedication to using positive, anti-bullying strategies.
Contact
Parentinn Cyberbullying Prevention Scholarship
214 Black Stallion Road
Ford, KY 40320
contact@parentinn.com
16. Payton’s Project Anti-Bullying Scholarship
Deadline: February 10th
As one of the largest bullying prevention funds, the Payton’s Project Anti-Bullying Scholarship program provides 20 high school seniors with $1,000 for $20,000 total each year. While 18 are reserved for public high schools in Virginia’s Prince William County and Rockingham County, the other two are available nationwide. Interested students should record a five-minute video or write a two-page essay explaining how they’ve experienced or helped “Freeze” bullying.
Contact
Payton’s Project Anti-Bullying Scholarship
15000 Graduation Drive
Haymarket, VA 20169
(844) 44-Payton ext. 801
info@paytonsproject.org
17. Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship
Deadline: January 17th
Ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship is gifted by the Phillips Foundation to six sophomores who are advocating for freedom and American values, including anti-bullying and discrimination, on their university campuses. Suitable applicants must be enrolled full-time at accredited, degree-granting U.S. institutions with at least 30 credits, a minimum 2.5 GPA, active leadership roles, and devotion to good citizenship.
Contact
Ronald Reagan College Leaders Scholarship
7811 Montrose Road Suite 100
Potomac, MD 20854
Scholarship Link
18. Secret Mean Stinks Scholarship Fund
Deadline: December 14th
Sponsored by Procter & Gamble, Secret Deodorant established the Mean Stinks Scholarship Fund because “Niceness Pays” by giving three young women $10,000 each for college. High school seniors and college undergraduates who are at least 17 years old could apply by sharing how they’re helping make school communities bully-free. Sponsor-selected judges will review each essay based on organization, logic, grammar, leadership, and support for fighting girl-to-girl bullying.
Contact
Secret Mean Stinks Scholarship Fund
1 P&G Plaza
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
(800) 964-1947
19. Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland Scholarship
Deadline: January 31st
At Mount Mercy University, the Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland Scholarship grants full-tuition coverage to incoming freshmen who have displayed evidence of strong community service commitments, including to end bullying and unfair treatment. Admitted first-year students must pursue a bachelor’s degree full-time, reside on the Cedar Rapids campus, file a FAFSA form, excel academically with a minimum 3.7 GPA, and score above 1240 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT.
Contact
Sister Mary Ildephonse Holland Scholarship
1330 Elmhurst Drive NE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
(319) 363-8213
studentfinancialservices@mtmercy.edu
Scholarship Link
20. Vigil Bullying Prevention Scholarship
Deadline: March 3rd
The U.S. Eagle Federal Credit Union offers members and their relatives the Vigil Bullying Prevention Scholarship for $2,000 each year. It’s designed for high school seniors aged 16 and up who will enroll in full-time undergraduate coursework at accredited two- or four-year colleges this Fall. Scholarship applications must include a parent/guardian release, transcript copies, two letters of recommendation, and a video or essay proposing how students could prohibit bullying as Governor of New Mexico.
Contact
Vigil Bullying Prevention Scholarship
5201 Antequera NW
Albuquerque, NM 87120
(505) 890-3357
dsilva@useaglefcu.org
Courageous young adults who’ve stood with fortitude against the serious cultural issue of bullying deserve to be rewarded. New scholarships are popping up every year to help anti-bullying advocates afford rising costs of higher education. Perhaps that’s partly because college graduates with a bachelor’s degree are over 30 percent more likely to regularly volunteer than high school diploma holders according to the BLS. These are 25 anti-bullying scholarships that are doing their part to encourage good citizenship and acceptance of human differences with free tuition money.
