2025-2026 Academic School Year

Trailblazer Scholarship Application

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 2, 2026

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Central Ohio Chapter (NC100BWCOC) advocates for Black women and girls in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment to promote gender and racial equity. The NC100BWCOC Annual Trailblazer Scholarship recognizes Black female high school seniors in public, parochial, charter, and private high schools in Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking Counties. The scholarship award is applicable towards tuition at any accredited, two or four-year institution or trade school. Priority is given to, but not limited to, students majoring in STEAM related fields, attending an HBCU, demonstrating extraordinary leadership/community service, and students who display high academic achievement (based on cumulative GPA Requirements and Evaluation: Completed and signed scholarship application and photo release. Unsigned applications and photo releases will be considered incomplete and ineligible for the scholarship.

High School Transcript: Eligible applicants must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA and on track for graduation according to state requirements. Submitted transcripts must be signed by the school's record office. Applicants must be classified as a high school senior planning to enroll in a two- or four-year program or trade school for the 2026 academic year.

Service and Leadership: Submit a list of extracurricular activities and community service. Service and leadership are evaluated based on variety, balance, depth, and overall significance of the activities.

Reference Letter: Must reference evidence of community service and leadership in the activities listed above; double-spaced, single sided, using the same 12-point font throughout.

Essay Structure and Evaluation: Essays must  no more than 500 words, double- spaced, single sided, using the same 12-point font throughout. The essay must be titled with headers and page numbers. Each essay will be evaluated on content, grammar, spelling, creativity and responsiveness to the essay theme.

Choose one of the following essays questions:

Essay Question: In what ways are artificial intelligence and automation likely to shape the future workforce for women, and to what extent do these technological changes advance or hinder gender equality in employment?

Essay Question, specifically if planning to attend an HBCU: Discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision declaring the use of race in college admissions unconstitutional. To what extent does this decision promote or undermine equality in higher education, and how might it impact you as an HBCU

Trailblazer Scholarship Application

A. Applicant Information: (Please type or print clearly)

C. Parent / Guardian Information:

Graduation Status: Student has met the requirements for graduation. Building Administrator or School Counselor (Print Full Name):

Building Administrator or School Counselor (Signature): High school transcript should be submitted in a sealed envelope or emailed from the applicant's high school.

Student (Applicant) Please read and sign: By signing this document, I information provided herein is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I fully understand that by providing false information and/or failing to provide all required materials may result in my disqualification of consideration for receipt of any NC100BWCOC financial assistance and/or services provided by NC100BWCOC.

By signing this document, I verify that my packet is complete. I understand that late and / or incomplete packets will not be considered. I understand that scholarship recipients are required to submit Fall 2024 enrollment verification to a two or four-year institution or trade school to receive the award. By signing this document, I hereby acknowledge receipt and understanding of the guidelines set forth herein and agree to abide by the same. Further, the undersigned agrees to waive all personal claims, causes of action, and/or damages against NC100BWCOC and any and all of its representatives, including, but not limited to, its officers and associates, arising from or growing out of their participation in NC100BWCOC.

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Central Ohio Chapter (NC100BWCOC) has my permission to use me or my child's photograph. I understand that the images may be used in print publications, online publications, presentations, websites, and social media. I also understand that no royalty, fee or other compensation will be paid.

Scholarship Application Packet Checklist:

• Completed and signed scholarship application.
• Completed and signed photo release.
• High school transcript (signed and placed in a sealed envelope or emailed from the applicant's high school)
• Essay (according to submission guidelines above List of extracurricular activities and
• Community service
• Reference letter
• All application materials must be submitted according to guidelines listed above.

Mail Transcript to: NCBWCOC Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 360951, Columbus,

Email Transcript to: education@ncbwcentralohio.org. Please include applicant's name in the email subject line.

Applications postmarked after Date March 2, 2026 will not be considered.