Ray of Sunshine Application ✨

  • Ray of Sunshine Application ✨

    This scholarship honors the legacy of a beloved member of Future Black Leaders, Raymond Jumper, who embodied warmth, resilience, and an unwavering light to others. We seek to support students who have navigated significant adversity and continue to serve as a "Ray of Sunshine" in their communities. For more information, please visit www.FutureBlackLeadersInc.org

  • Application Details

    Here is an overview for the Ray of Sunshine application (Deadline - July 1, 2026):

  • Applicant Eligibility:

    • Identify as a marginalized group which has faced systemic inequities
    • Be a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student.
    • Demonstrate a history of resilience in the face of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or significant life hurdles
    • Maintain a commitment to community service and leadership.

     

    Required Essays (choose 2):

    •  The Journey of Resilience: Describe a time you faced a significant "shadow" (challenge). How did you navigate that experience, and how did it refine your strength?
    • Radiating Joy: Being a "ray of sunshine" isn't about the absence of pain; it's about the presence of light. How do you cultivate joy for yourself and others in your daily life?
    • Triumph Over Trials: What is a personal achievement you are most proud of that others might not see on a transcript?
    • Living with Passion: What is the "fire" that drives you? Describe a passion or hobby that makes you feel most alive.

     

    Required Community Project:

    For this portion of your application, we are asking you to come up with a plan of how you will positively impact your community if you were to become a Ray of Sunshine Scholar. This project should demonstrate a thorough understanding of who Raymond was and how he impacted his community.

    • Written: 1-2 paged detailed plan (single space, 500-1000 words).
    • Video: 2–5 minute video discussing/demonstrating your passion and your plan (can be a presentation or just a video of you talking).
    • Creative Showcase: A collection of art, poetry, or photography that outlines your vision, with a written or video explanation of how your media relates to your project plan.
       

  • Applicant Information

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • What is your race/ethnicity? Please select all that apply:*
  • Future Black Leaders, Inc. champions diversity as we strive to empower the groundbreakers of tomorrow. With this in mind, FBL, Inc. also understands marginalized people are not a monolith, and the importance of acknowledging the intersectionality of our applicants. If you are comfortable, please share with us the identities/backgrounds you align with:*
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is a model commonly used to identify how difficult obstacles faced in the first 18 years of life can contribute to outcomes later on in life. The Ray of Sunshine Scholarship was developed with these challenges in mind -- we believe that those who have overcome the most often have the most to give back. If you are comfortable, please select any of the following you or a loved one may have experienced growing up :*

  • Submission Materials (Essays + Community Project)

  • Please choose two of the following prompts (approx. 400–600 words each):

    1. The Journey of Resilience: Describe a time you faced a significant "shadow" (challenge). How did you navigate that experience, and how did it refine your strength?
    2. Radiating Joy: Being a "ray of sunshine" isn't about the absence of pain; it's about the presence of light. How do you cultivate joy for yourself and others in your daily life?
    3. Triumph Over Trials: What is a personal achievement you are most proud of that others might not see on a transcript?
    4. Living with Passion: What is the "fire" that drives you? Describe a passion or hobby that makes you feel most alive.

     

    Use the following document below to submit your response: Click here

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  • Ray of Sunshine Community Project

    As a scholar, you are expected to be an active agent of change. Please propose a Community Impact Plan that you will execute over the next year. This project should aim to bring "light" to a specific group or issue in your community.

  • About the Ray of Sunshine Project:

     

    The Ray of Sunshine Memorial Scholarship was established by Future Black Leaders to ensure that the vibrant spirit and enduring impact of Raymond Jumper continue to illuminate the paths of others. With this in mind, we want to ensure our scholarship recipients are committed to carrying on Raymond’s legacy. This is the purpose of the Ray of Sunshine Community Project.

    For this portion of your application, we are asking you to come up with a plan of how you will positively impact your community if you were to become a Ray of Sunshine Scholar. This project should demonstrate a thorough understanding of who Raymond was and how he impacted his community. Your impact can be on any scale and can take any form. We encourage you to think about your own passions, involvements, and ideas plans for the next year and then consider how you can integrate the Ray of Sunshine project to elevate your vision.

     

    Your Project should highlight ALL of the following:

    • What is the specific need you are addressing?
    • How will you use your unique talents to address this problem?
    • How does your plan to address the issue embody the spirit of Raymond?
    • What does success look like for this project by the end of the year? 
    • How will the scholarship funds help support you as you implement your Community Project? 

     

    Submission Formats (Choose One): You may choose one of the following (listed below) to submit your project. We encourage you to cater your submission to your strengths and use this as an opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and how you relate to Raymond.

    • Written: A 1-2 paged detailed plan (single space, 500-1000 words).

    • Video: A 2–5 minute video discussing/demonstrating your passion and your plan (can be a presentation or just a video of you talking).

    • Creative Showcase: A collection of art, poetry, or photography that outlines your vision, with a written or video explanation of how your media relates to your project plan.

     

    Submit your Project by using the following document: Click here

     

     

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