Donor: Miss Texas 2024, Annette Addo-Yobo, in honor of her brother, Andrew Addo-Yobo

Available to: Miss Texas delegates

Scholarship Amount: $500 

Application Deadline: June 1, 2025

Scholarship Qualifications & About: 

The S.P.E.A.K.S. (Supporting People through Education, Advocacy, Kindness, and Service) Scholarship is awarded to a Miss Texas contestant who exemplifies the power of using her voice for good. Rooted in the values of advocacy, kindness, and purposeful service, this scholarship celebrates individuals who use their platform to uplift underrepresented and under-championed communities, particularly those affected by disabilities, neurodiversity, or social inequity. Whether through storytelling, community engagement, or policy work, the recipient of this award is someone who doesn’t just speak, but speaks up for others.

This scholarship is awarded in honor of Andrew Addo-Yobo, the younger brother of Miss Texas 2024, Annette Addo-Yobo. Andrew was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was four years old. As a life-long sibling advocate, Annette Addo-Yobo dedicated her year of service to advocating for autism awareness, safety, and education through her community service initiative entitled, “The SPARK Project.” Of the 32,000+ miles she traveled across the country, nearly 12,000 miles were for The SPARK Project.

Application Requirements

1) Applicants must submit a one page essay (300–500 words in PDF format) describing how they have used their voice to serve others and what lasting impact they hope to make through their advocacy. Priority will be given to those who have actively engaged in projects supporting neurodivergent individuals, disability inclusion, or marginalized populations.

Optional: applicants are encouraged to submit and post a 60 second video that highlights their advocacy work. Use the hashtag #theresheSPEAKS on social media