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

Available to: Miss Texas delegates

Scholarship Amount: $500 (Winner), $250 (Runner Up)

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

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 underchampioned communities, particularly those with disabilities, neurodiversities, 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 lifelong sibling advocate, Annette Addo-Yobo dedicated her year of service to raising awareness about autism, safety, and education, traveling over 40,000 miles across the country.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a short essay (300-500 words) describing how they have used their voice to serve others with neurodiversities and what lasting impact they hope to make through their advocacy.

*Please submit your essay in PDF format via the submission button below.

Applicants must also submit and post a 60-second video that highlights their advocacy work. Use the hashtag #theresheSPEAKS on social media.

*Please submit a public link to your social media post or a public link to the video on Google Drive or Dropbox via the submission box below.