Applications for the Maggie J. Bryant (MJB) Scholarship have opened, offering local students the opportunity to pursue their higher-education goals after high school.

Marenda Caldwell, MJB Scholarship Fund chairperson, said applications will be accepted until June 30, with winners announced by July 31.

“The purpose of the MJB Scholarship Fund is to provide money to a deserving high school senior or college/university freshman in good academic standing who values continuous learning and has demonstrated a commitment to improving their community,” Caldwell said.

The fund, established in 2020, honors the life and legacy of Bryant, whose commitment to her family, community and continuous learning was not hindered by her physical hearing limitations. Bryant was a nurse’s aide by trade, but was also a self-taught religious scholar, a pillar of her community who demonstrated the importance of giving oneself to others.

Bryant served at the highest levels of several religious organizations as a highly-sought-after speaker at church and community events. The annual scholarship was established by her family to celebrate her life by helping young people fulfill their educational goals, establish a lifelong learning mindset and lead by example as Bryant did.

Up to two undergraduate scholarship awards are available in amounts up to $1,500 annually. The number and amount of awards will be determined by the selection committee based on funds available. Awards, paid directly to recipients upon verification of enrollment, may be awarded no more than twice per applicant.

Applications are open to students whose primary residence is located within Crenshaw, Covington or Pike counties and who plan to attend a two- or four-year accredited college or university or who are already enrolled as a college freshman. Minimum criteria for eligibility included a demonstrated interest in continuous learning, demonstrated involvement in community or school activities, submission of a compelling student essay and two letters of recommendation as well as a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.00.

Submissions are accepted online or may be emailed to the fund committee.

“We now also offer an electronic version of the application on our Facebook page so students can submit directly from the website, or they can email us and request a pdf version of the application and guidelines to complete it manually,” Caldwell said.

For more information, follow the MJB Scholarship Fund on social media, visit https://forms.gle/GzSv9HpkM8TEk3RM or email mjbryantscholarshipfund@gmail.com.