Dontavius McGuire passed away too soon after taking his own life in 2013.
Mental health services and suicide prevention are vital fields that can save thousands of lives every year. Around 2 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness and 1 in 20 experience serious mental illness. Mental health struggles can start early, making suicide the 2nd-highest cause of death among Americans between the ages of 10-34.
This scholarship seeks to honor Dontavius McGuire’s life by providing support to students who want to make a difference in mental health and suicide prevention.
Any high school senior interested in studying social work, therapy, or psychology and hoping to work in mental health or suicide prevention may apply for this scholarship. A student who has lost a loved one, parent, sibling, or best friend, to suicide is also eligible.
To apply, tell us about your experience with loss, your inspiration for pursuing mental health, your career goals, and how you think you’ll make a difference in suicide prevention.
Applications are available December 1 of each year and are due April 5 of each year.