Every year, Self-Help offers $1,000 community scholarships to a recipient at each of our branches who has committed to improving their lives and their communities by furthering their education. Our 2026 applications are open until March 31st to students of all backgrounds who are planning to attend any post-secondary educational institution. This includes universities, colleges, technical schools, trade
schools, and vocational institutions.
Over the years, we have offered scholarships to students with a wide range of interests and ways of giving back to their communities. Here is a brief overview of some of the many incredible winners we’ve had over the years!
Lilianna
When offered the scholarship in 2020, Lilianna attended Valencia College in Apopka, Florida. She shared that she aspires to be a Forensic Psychologist and create awareness of mental health issues in the Latino community, specifically for young
immigrants. She was also a volunteer at the Hope Community Center.
Obiajuru
Obiajuru received a scholarship in 2022. He was attending Edward Waters University at the time as a biology major and serving as a volunteer with a range of community health care efforts. After completing his studies, he had plans to work
in the field of molecular medicine.
Shane
Shane (left) confers with a student.
After graduating from high school in 1996, Shane worked in construction and enjoyed coaching football with young kids. In 2010, he decided to go back to school, and he applied for a community scholarship in his final year at Brevard College.
Now a teacher at Brevard High School, Shane leads classes in general science and carpentry and once again coaches football.
Greta
Greta received a scholarship in 2021. At the time, she planned to attend Fordham University. She volunteered for Teen Court, Manna Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity and Hanger Hall Math Camps. Volunteering for Teen Court fueled her desire
to become an attorney to defend juveniles and reform the system
Crystal
Crystal received a scholarship in 2024. She was studying social work and wanted to support the unhoused population, particularly unhoused Veterans. Crystal shared about being part of a Veterans subcommittee for a coalition ending homelessness and believes in finding ways to support people who would like the chance to make a different life for themselves
.
London
London received a scholarship in 2022. He was accepted at Florida State College of Jacksonville. He wanted to obtain a Bachelor of Science in nursing to work in pediatrics. He has an extensive background in community service, including volunteering
with Literacy Alliance and Habitat for Humanity.
Pouleeth
In 2020, Pouleeth was attending Queens University when she received her scholarship. She was pursuing a career in nursing in the hopes of becoming a neo-natal labor and delivery nurse and eventually a nurse practitioner. Pouleeth serves as
treasurer for the University’s Rotaract Club and has contributed her time to Operation Christmas Child and making blankets and sandwiches for people without homes.
Ava
Ava received a scholarship in 2024. She is a community organizer and a published author of the non-fiction book Tomorrow Begins Now: Teen Heroes Who Faced Down Injustice. After navigating her own challenges with disability discrimination,
she became passionate about civil rights and was working toward a degree in political science with plans to become a civil rights lawyer and filmmaker.
Congratulations to our past Community Scholars!
We believe in the power of education and its ability to provide opportunities. Thank you to our scholars for using their education to make better communities for everyone!
If you or someone you know is working toward a degree, make sure to apply by March 31st at self-help.org/scholarship.