Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Eligible and qualified applicants can now apply for the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship.

This scholarship is initiated in honor of Ethel Hayes, a woman who took her life 50 years ago as a result of an inner struggle to cope with the complex realities of her inner and outer world.

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization Scholarship exists to support more open and honest conversations about millions of people facing mental health challenges and those people who have family, friends, and loved ones who are struggling with mental health.

For you to apply for this scholarship, you must be someone who has suffered from any form of mental health/illness or has someone around you who has struggled with mental challenges.

The scholarship tends to eliminate suicide, which is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death for college youth, in order to enable them to complete their education happily.

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization Scholarship provides financial support to cater to your academic needs and expenses throughout your study period, thereby providing you an opportunity to fully focus on your studies without harboring negative or suicidal thoughts.

The scholarship is not a fully funded program, but you will receive a certain amount to cover your tuition and all other academic needs. 

To find out about the scholarship eligibility requirements and how you can apply for this scholarship if you are a victim of mental health, make sure to read this content till the end.

Eligibility Requirements of Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship.

To be able to apply for this scholarship, you must meet the following requirements. 

1. Citizenship: This scholarship is only open to citizens from the US
2. Categories of Persons: The scholarship is open to those who have suffered from mental health or have loved ones who have experienced any form of mental illness or challenges
3. Admission: You must be someone currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution as of the time of the scholarship program
4. Experience: You must have had a personal experience with  mental illness or have been impacted by the mental state of health of your family members or loved ones 

Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship Past Participant

Here is the list of students who are recent winners and participants who participated in the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization Scholarship

Winners

• Stephanie Davies:1st Place (2024)
• Jay’ Relles Cooper: 2nd Place (2024)
• Blessing Johnson:1st Place (2023)
• Bryton Conley: 2nd Place (2023)
• Sarah Porter: 3rd Place (2023)
• Romeo gulefua: 1st Place (2022)
• Casen Lucas: 2nd Place (2022)
• Amari Philip: 3rd Place (2022)
• Tyara M: 4th Place (2022)
• Cody Killian: 5th Place (2022)
• Gennero Tecchia: 1st Place (2021)
• Abena Bonsu: 2nd Place (2021)

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How to apply for Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship 

To apply for the scholarship, you are to follow this step-by-step guideline 

1. Write an Essay: you will be required to write an essay of 200 to 1,000 words on the given topic “How has your experience with mental health shaped your goals, relationships, and understanding of the world.”
2. Create an Account: After writing your essay, you are to visit the scholarship application portal to create an account 
3. Fill out Personal Detail: You are to fill out your personal and academic details correctly on the scholarship application page 
4. Upload Essay: After you’ve successfully created your account, you are to upload your written essay in PDF format.
5. Submit: Proofread and review all the information you have provided and submit 
6. Wait for review: Wait for the essay assessment and review by the scholarship committee 

FAQs | Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship

Final Thought 

The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization Scholarship was founded and organized by Dr. Terence. O. Hayes.

Dr Terence. O. Hayes, a black male middle child of five siblings, was born on February 19, 1973; he initiated the scholarship because of the tragic event that happened to him when he was 11 years old. He suffered the tragic loss of suicide of his dear mother, who passed away at the age of 29.

The scholarship is organized every year in memory of this great incident and remembrance of his dear and beloved mother.

The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization Scholarship for the 2025 session is now open. The application deadline is June 14, 2025. Immediately after the application period, selected applicants will be announced by July 13, 2025.

Write your essay early and apply ahead of time to ensure you stand a higher chance of winning the scholarship. It is recommended that you read the essays of past winners of this scholarship. This will enable you to understand the writing style and guidelines.

The   2025 Ethel Hayes Destigmatization Scholarship winner will receive $700, which will be used to support his or her education.

Before you can be awarded this scholarship, you will be required to confirm your academic enrollment status, depending on the circumstances. The scholarship committee may require you to present your student ID card or most recent academic transcript.

Award checks will be sent to the financial aid office of your academic institution in the name of the scholarship to be applied to your tuition and in the name of your institution. 

If the award is for qualified non-educational non-tuition expenses, the scholarship committee will work with you directly to distribute the award and ensure it goes towards the proper expenses