Scholarships
Margaret Williams Legacy Scholarship
The distinguished Pearls of Margaret Scholarship takes great pride in dedicating resources towards the triumph of young individuals who are embarking on their journey towards college education. In doing so, this scholarship aims to ignite and nurture audacious aspirations, instilling within each recipient a profound appreciation for the boundless power of acquiring knowledge and fostering an incessant curiosity about the world. The esteemed Pearls of Margaret firmly believe that comprehending oneself is a fundamental stepping stone towards prosperity, as the words we utter and the actions we undertake pave the way for the manifestation of our grandest dreams. Thus, the true measure of existence does not lie in our current circumstances, but rather in the captivating canvases our minds passionately conjure, ultimately leading to a life adorned with purpose and fulfillment.
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” ― Lao Tzu . .
How to Apply?
The scholarship is partially administered by a third-party, and will consist of a financial award plus a future equity investment to support long-term financial goals.
Applicants to the Margaret M. Williams Legacy Scholarship must:
- Self-identify as a member of at least one of the following underrepresented groups:
- American Indian or Alaska Native
- Asian
- Black or African American
- Hispanic or Latino
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
- Multiracial
- Female (any race or ethnicity)
- Be high school seniors or graduates, or current college undergraduates, residing and/or attending college in one of the following states:
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Washington, District of Columbia
- Enrolling in full-time undergraduate study, pursuing a degree in a non-medical STEM or business-related field, at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year
- Able to demonstrate a sincere commitment to inclusion and diversity in their lives, community, or education in a non-medical STEM major or a business major.
- Complete an essay/personal statement, along with a demonstration of community engagement, school activities and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
If selected as a recipient, the student(s) will receive a $5,000 award. Up to 2 awards will be granted.
Recipients my re-apply in subsequent years (3) additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned, whichever occurs first, on the basis of maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and full-time enrollment in an eligible major. Applicants must also continue to maintain residence and/or college enrollment in one of the eligible states.
Awards are for undergraduate study only.
Notification:
All applicants will be notified in January.
Payment of Scholarships:
{third-party} processes scholarship payments on behalf of the family. Payment, equity setup is executed in early August.
Selection of Finalists:
Scholarship finalists are selected based on:
- Academic record
- Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- A statement of educational and career goals and objectives
- Personal goals
- An online recommendation
- Essay*
Assuming there are qualified applicants, preference will be given to applicants attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) or Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
Selection of finalists is made by a third-party. The family and board of friends will select recipients. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.
Essay topics for selection:
- If provided three wishes, what would they be and why?
- It’s five years from now, what has unfolded for your life? Where are you? What are you doing? What’s bringing you joy?
- What’s transpiring in your life now and how will education make a difference?
As part of your application, you must upload the following:
- A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display student name, school name, grades and credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
- Copy of the first two pages of the most recently filed IRS Form 1040 used for the Financial Information section of the application.
NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately. If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.
One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than {date}, 2024 11:59 pm EST
Your application is not complete unless all required materials are submitted electronically.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST:
- Scholarship application (submitted or emailed)
- Vision Statement of 1,000 words or less setting forth his/her/they educational, career vision and objectives
- Current and college transcript/grades where applicable. Please note class size, rank, GPA, and include test scores. Home schooled students must include transcript for grade 9 through current year with application.
- Letter of recommendation(s) attesting to the applicant’s potential, skills/talents, work habits, integrity, character, and involvement in community activities/clubs
- List of extra-curricular activities, honors received, and scholastic achievements
- Upload federal/state proof of identification
- Complete an essay from one of the following questions: (1) If provided three wishes, what would they be and why? (2) It’s five years in the future, what has unfolded for your life? Where are you? What are you doing? What’s bringing you joy? (3) How will education make a difference in your life now and in the future?