BWISE Scholarships
Award Criteria and Essay Prompts
Traditional Scholarship
Traditional Scholarship Prompt"Black Women Leading the Future of Texas"
Texas continues to grow and change in powerful ways. Education, technology, workforce development, and civic leadership will shape the opportunities available to the next generation.
Black women have long played a vital role in strengthening communities, advancing education, and leading progress—often overcoming barriers while opening doors for others.
In a 750–1,500 word essay, reflect on the role of Black women in leadership and educational advancement.
Please address the following in your response:
Essay must be 1500 words or less including any footnotes or bibliographic citations. For more information, please visit our website at www.BWISEmentoring.org.
https://forms.gle/jeCPoMranGWeYx3r8
- Award amount: $750.00 for 1 high school senior and 1 college student.
- Applicants must be African American and female.
- Applicants must reside or be a permanent resident in the state of Texas within Dallas or Tarrant counties.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher (4.0 scale).
- Proof of acceptance to a college or university must be provided. Funds will be paid directly to recipient’s educational institution.
- Submissions will be reviewed and scored by the BWISE Scholarship Committee. Applicants GPA, community, and scholastic - involvement will be taken into consideration along with content/writing style of essay.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Deadline to apply is May 8, 2026.
- Award recipient will be notified prior to public announcement on June 27, 2026.
Traditional Scholarship Prompt"Black Women Leading the Future of Texas"
Texas continues to grow and change in powerful ways. Education, technology, workforce development, and civic leadership will shape the opportunities available to the next generation.
Black women have long played a vital role in strengthening communities, advancing education, and leading progress—often overcoming barriers while opening doors for others.
In a 750–1,500 word essay, reflect on the role of Black women in leadership and educational advancement.
Please address the following in your response:
- What challenge or opportunity facing students or communities in Texas today matters most to you?
- How has education shaped your vision for your future?
- How do you hope to use your education, leadership, and voice to positively impact your community and contribute to the future of Texas?
Essay must be 1500 words or less including any footnotes or bibliographic citations. For more information, please visit our website at www.BWISEmentoring.org.
https://forms.gle/jeCPoMranGWeYx3r8
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Dr. Whitney Kirkpatrick Nursing Scholarship
Dr. Whitney Kirkpatrick Nursing Scholarship Prompt
"The Roots That Hold Us, The Wings That Carry Us Forward"
Texas stands at a crossroads. In a political climate where healthcare access is being debated, reproductive rights are being restricted, maternal mortality rates among Black women remain disproportionately high, and health equity continues to be a battleground — the need for compassionate, culturally competent, and courageous nurses has never been greater.
As a Black woman pursuing nursing in Texas, you are not simply entering a profession. You are continuing a legacy of healing that runs deeper than any policy, any legislature, or any barrier placed before you.
Respond to the following in 750–1500 words:
Reflect on the current political and healthcare landscape in Texas and its direct impact on Black communities. How has your identity as a Black woman shaped your calling to nursing? What specific challenges do you believe Black Texans face in accessing quality healthcare today, and how do you see yourself — rooted in your community and rising in your profession — becoming part of the solution? Where do you see your leadership taking you in the next five years, and what legacy do you intend to leave in the state of Texas?
Essay must be 1500 words or less including any footnotes or bibliographic citations. For more information, please visit our website at www.BWISEmentoring.org.
https://forms.gle/rdRCx2b5rgTqYzik7
- Award amount: $1000.00 for 1 nursing student.
- Applicants must be female.
- Applicants must reside or be a permanent resident in the state of Texas within Dallas or Tarrant counties.
- Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5 or higher (4.0 scale).
- Proof of acceptance to a college or university must be provided. Funds will be paid directly to recipient’s educational institution.
- Submissions will be reviewed and scored by the BWISE Scholarship Committee. Applicants GPA, community, and scholastic - involvement will be taken into consideration along with content/writing style of essay.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Deadline to apply is May 8, 2026.
- Award recipient will be notified prior to public announcement on June 27, 2026.
Dr. Whitney Kirkpatrick Nursing Scholarship Prompt
"The Roots That Hold Us, The Wings That Carry Us Forward"
Texas stands at a crossroads. In a political climate where healthcare access is being debated, reproductive rights are being restricted, maternal mortality rates among Black women remain disproportionately high, and health equity continues to be a battleground — the need for compassionate, culturally competent, and courageous nurses has never been greater.
As a Black woman pursuing nursing in Texas, you are not simply entering a profession. You are continuing a legacy of healing that runs deeper than any policy, any legislature, or any barrier placed before you.
Respond to the following in 750–1500 words:
Reflect on the current political and healthcare landscape in Texas and its direct impact on Black communities. How has your identity as a Black woman shaped your calling to nursing? What specific challenges do you believe Black Texans face in accessing quality healthcare today, and how do you see yourself — rooted in your community and rising in your profession — becoming part of the solution? Where do you see your leadership taking you in the next five years, and what legacy do you intend to leave in the state of Texas?
Essay must be 1500 words or less including any footnotes or bibliographic citations. For more information, please visit our website at www.BWISEmentoring.org.
https://forms.gle/rdRCx2b5rgTqYzik7
We look forward to your submissions! Email [email protected] with any questions.