Sophia L. Gokey Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to high school seniors who have experienced significant challenges in life. The scholarship was established to help them achieve a college education in spite of their difficulties.
Applicants must complete a 500-word essay in which they describe the roadblocks they have faced and what a college education would mean to them. Students must have a grade point average of 2.75 in grades 9 through 11 in order to apply in their senior year. They must also demonstrate a commitment to helping others in their community.
The scholarship is sponsored by Sophia's Heart Foundation, established in 2008. The foundation was created by American Idol contestant Dan Gokey, husband of the late Sophia Gokey who believed strongly in helping children. She set an example of pressing on in her work in spite of a heart condition that took her life at the age of 27.
The foundation works to raise funds through companies and charitable organization to help children up to 18 years old. The scholarship is one way in which the foundation continues the legacy of Sophia Gokey. Students may apply by submitting a completed application, essay, transcripts and three letters of recommendation.
The deadline for this scholarship is usually in JANUARY of each year, and the award amount is usually $1,000.
For more details, visit www.sophiasheart.org/SophiaLGokeyScholarshipAward.php