The Julia Stevenson Davis Scholarship was created to support and empower first-generation college students in Louisiana who are pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship seeks to reduce financial barriers and encourage academic persistence among students who are the first in their families to attend a college, university, or trade school.
I established this scholarship in honor of my mother, Julia Stevenson Davis, who never had the opportunity to complete high school or pursue a college degree because she was forced to take on adult responsibilities at an early age. Despite not having a high school diploma, she worked tirelessly to raise and provide for her eight children, always emphasizing the importance of education and ensuring that each of us graduated from high school.
After her passing, I made it a priority to create a scholarship for first-generation students because I personally understand the challenges of financing a college education. As a low-income, first-generation college student myself, I know the difficulties of paying tuition, purchasing books, and covering essential school supplies. Through this scholarship, I hope to honor my mother’s legacy while helping students overcome financial obstacles and achieve their educational goals.
Julia Stevenson Davis Scholarship
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Be a resident of the state of Louisiana
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Be a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian has completed a four-year college degree)
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Be a graduating high school senior or a currently enrolled undergraduate student or graduate student
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Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (high school); GPA 3.0 (college)
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Be enrolled or accepted into a post-secondary institution (trade school, college, or university)
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Demonstrate financial need (documentation may be required)
Award Details:
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Scholarship award amounts may vary based on available funding and applicant need
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Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses
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Awards are typically disbursed directly to the recipient not the institution
Application Requirements:
Applicants must submit the following:
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Completed scholarship application form
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Official or unofficial transcript (high school or college)
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Documentation of financial need (e.g., FAFSA Student Aid Report or equivalent)
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Personal statement (250 - 500 words) describing educational goals, challenges as a first-generation student, and how the scholarship will support success
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One letter of recommendation (teacher, counselor, employer, or community leader)
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Resume showing leadership and community involvement
Selection Criteria:
Recipients will be selected based on:
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Demonstrated financial need
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Academic effort and potential (minimum GPA requirement met)
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Strength and authenticity of personal statement
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Commitment to educational and career goals
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Community involvement and leadership (if applicable)
Application Timeline:
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Application Opens: in July
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Application Deadline: in August 31
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Award Notification: September 31
Contact Information:
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Scholarship Committee
Info@neauxlarise.org