The Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal Memorial Scholarship
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou
The Black Art Today Foundation is honored to present the Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal Memorial Scholarship. This award celebrates the life of a young woman who transformed blank spaces into color and showed that the truest way to rise is by lifting others. Harmony moved through the world with an artist’s curiosity and a heart for inclusion, proving that we are defined not by our challenges, but by our extraordinary possibilities.
About Harmony Maria Kilby-Neal
Harmony was a storyteller, a traveler of eight countries, and a fierce advocate for those who needed a voice. Born on August 25, 2008, she lived her seventeen years with a depth of compassion that many spend a lifetime trying to cultivate. Whether she was exploring historic castles in Edinburgh, serving as a student ambassador for community justice, or riding with the DC Blue Eyes Rodeo team, Harmony carried an instinct to notice people and help them feel seen.
As a neurodivergent young woman, Harmony flourished in spaces where creativity and inclusion met—from the Center for Visual Artists to Camp Royall, where she felt joyfully herself. She was a senior at Western Guilford High School, preparing to study art at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, when she passed on March 1, 2026. This scholarship carries forward her light, supporting students who share her passion for the arts and her commitment to a world where everyone belongs.
Scholarship Overview
Award Amount: $1,000 (One-time award)
Purpose: To support neurodivergent graduating high school students pursuing undergraduate degrees in the visual, performing, or literary arts.
Use of Funds: Tuition, books, or other approved educational expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
This scholarship is dedicated to students with a diagnosis of one or more of the following:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Dyscalculia
- Dyspraxia
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Downs Syndrome
Residency: Must be a resident of the United States or its territories.
Academic Status: Must be a graduating High School senior.
Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
Field of Study: Accepted into or enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university for the visual, performing, or literary arts (including music, dance, theatre, or other performing arts).
Personal Expression Submission
Harmony expressed herself through many mediums, and we invite you to do the same. You may respond to one of the prompts below using the format that best allows your voice to shine.
Choose One Prompt:
- How has your unique way of processing the world shaped your perspective as an artist, writer, or performer?
- Harmony believed in "lifting others." How do you hope to use your art to advocate for others or build a more inclusive community?
- Which artist, writer, or musician has inspired you to see the "possibilities" in your own life, and why?
- Given unlimited resources, how would you design a community space that fosters creativity and belonging for neurodivergent individuals?
Choose Your Format:
- Written: A traditional essay (500–1,000 words).
- Oral/Verbal: A 3–5 minute video or audio recording
- Visual/Creative: A digital slide deck (e.g., Canva/PowerPoint), a detailed storyboard, or a graphic essay with captions (ideal for those who think in pictures or prefer "chunked" information).
Application Requirements:
Please submit the following through our online application portal:
Completed Online Form:
- Official Transcript: From your most recent high school.
- Academic Recommendations: Two (2) written statements from academic officials addressing your achievements.
- Character References: Two (2) references from individuals who know your heart and dedication.
- Personal Expression Submission: (Written, Oral, or Visual as detailed above).
PARENTS, GUARDIANS, TEACHERS AND GUIDANCE COUNSELORS ARE PERMITTED TO ASSIST THE APPLICANT IN COMPLETING THE APPLICATION.
APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED BY: FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 2026, 6:00 PM ET