CHANGING LIVES, REBUILDING COMMUNITIES,
HELPING FAMILIES
AFFECTED BY INCARCERATION
The Eugene Melvin Melchior ll Scholarship Program is designed to address the financial needs of individuals impacted by incarceration. It is a benefit that will impact our communities as individuals are provided growth opportunities.
We are offering two $1,000 scholarships annually as follows:
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Right Road Scholarship for a returning citizen (formerly incarcerated) for higher education opportunity to become more marketable citizens of our community, which will lend itself to better employment opportunities.
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Eugene Melvin Melchior II Scholarship for a high school graduate, impacted by incarceration, ages 17-21, pursuing a higher education opportunity. This scholarship supports preventing generations of incarceration.
Eligibility
The scholarship is only open to returning citizens (formerly incarcerated) and family members impacted by incarceration.
Selection Criteria
Returning citizens must demonstrate remorse for their action and a willingness to change. Family members must demonstrate hope in their future and strength to overcome setbacks. Applicants must complete our application and participate in an in-person or phone interview with the Failsafe Scholarship Education Committee to finalize the application process. They will be contacted directly to schedule the interview after the deadline date.
Application Process
Applicants must write an essay about how they intend to use their field of study for the good of the community. Give us some insight into your personal background and why you chose your field in particular, and any other information you feel is relevant. Your essay will be judged based on originality and creativity. Weight will be given to financial need, situational hardship, community service, and leadership potential.
Submission Requirements
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The Eugene Melvin Melchior ll Scholarship Program Application Form - DOWNLOAD HERE or fill out the online application below.
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Essay length should be no more than 500 words. Upon submission, the essay becomes the property of Failsafe-ERA
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A brief biography and recent photo. The photo will be used for publicity purposes on the Failsafe website and social media platform.
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Two Letters of Recommendation in support of your application for the Eugene Melvin Melchior ll Scholarship Program. You may select anyone from your local community who you believe can best address your personal character, commitment to community service and leadership qualities.
DONATE BELOW, CHOOSE THE SCHOLARSHOP FUND AS THE DESIGNEE
Once a candidate is notified of winning, the candidate has three days to respond and accept the scholarship award. If the selected candidate does not respond within the allotted time, another winner will be chosen. Once the winner(s) are selected, the scholarship(s) will be awarded at our Annual Second Chance Hall of Change Gala, at no cost to the recipient plus one.
Please forward application materials to:
FAILSAFE-ERA
7124 Salem Fields Blvd., PMB #111
ATTN: Scholarship Committee
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
2015 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Scholarship Recipient: Mr. Roy Branklin (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Master’s Program in Mental Health
2016 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Scholarship Recipients:
Mr. Dale Hodges (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Commercial Drivers License (Truck Drivers Training)
Ms. Destanee Whitmer (Family member)
Educational Pursuit: Psychology through Germanna Community College
2017 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Scholarship Recipients:
Ms. Lisa Collins Moore (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Business major at Germanna Community College
Ms. Paula Morgan (Family Member)
Educational Pursuit: Nursing with a Spanish minor at Liberty University
2018 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Scholarship Recipients:
Ms. Aretha McDowney (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Mary Washington
Ms. Brittany Duff (Family Member)
Educational Pursuit:
2019 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Scholarship Recipients:
Mr. Kenneth Williams (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Business Degree at Germanna Community College
Ms. Je’Niqua Morris (Family Member)
Educational Pursuit: Leadership at Old Dominion University with interest in Culinary Arts
2022 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Scholarship Recipient: Michael Mageau (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Ministry at Cornerstone College of Virginia
2023 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser
Mr. Isiah Landry (Returning Citizen)
Educational Pursuit: Master Barber at Faded and Co
Mr. Rashaun Booker ( Family Member)
Educational Pursuit: Cyber Security