tweveThe Melanie Foundation Scholarship is unique among awards that open doors to both intellectual and personal development. As the academic year 2024–2025 is here, prospective students are encouraged to consider the rewarding possibilities that this scholarship provides. Let’s explore the details of The Melanie Foundation Scholarship and the ongoing life-changing effects it bestows upon its beneficiaries.
Overview of The Melanie Foundation
In honor of Melanie Merola O’Donnell’s life and legacy, the Melanie Foundation was established in 2006 with the goal of promoting mental health issue support. Melanie had a selfless life, dedicating her professional life to alleviating the suffering caused by mental illness. Melanie passed away at the age of 33 while pursuing her psychology doctorate. The Melanie Foundation was later established by her family and friends, with the primary objective of awarding scholarships to graduate students in mental health fields who would be most likely to carry on Melanie’s legacy. The Saratoga Palio, the largest fundraiser for the Melanie Foundation, was a recurring autumn event in Saratoga from 2006 to 2020.
Due to its success, The Melanie Foundation was able to assist many aspiring mental health professionals and return something positive to Saratoga Springs, the town that gave us Melanie.
A scholarship in honor of Melanie has been given by The Melanie Foundation every year since 2009 to a deserving postgraduate mental health student. Furthermore, a percentage of the proceeds from every Saratoga Palio race was given to nearby nonprofits.
What’s the Award?
The $2,500 Melanie Foundation Scholarship is intended for those seeking a master’s or doctoral degree in the field of mental health.
What is the duration of the scholarship?
This scholarship has a one-year validity period and is awarded yearly. Applicants may choose to reapply for up to two more years.
Who Qualifies for the Scholarship?
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Currently enrolled in a graduate program in the field of mental health in the United States that has been approved by one or more of the following credentialing organizations: COAMFTE, APA, ACGME, CSWE, and CACREP.
- Past participation in extracurricular, volunteer, research, and/or career-related activities should be demonstrated.
What are the Application Requirements?
It is necessary for candidates to provide the following:
- Curriculum vitae, including email address (PDF).
- Unofficial graduate and/or undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts can be sought at a later time (PDF).
- The application is supported by two letters of recommendation: one from a mental health specialist and the other from a person who has known the applicant for more than five years. The applicant’s name should be included as the topic of reference letters sent directly to [email protected] (PDF).
- A typed, double-spaced essay that is no more than two pages in length that explains how the mental health profession has impacted the writer’s life and how their graduate and college degrees will help them help communities in a way that is consistent with Melanie Merola O’Donnell’s values of honesty, compassion, generosity, and respect (PDF).
- All application materials need to be sent together in one PDF email. The applicant’s name should be in the subject line of each reference letter that is sent individually. Applicants may send more than one email at the same time, if needed.
As an alternative, applicants may choose to incorporate one of the following quotes into their statement:
- “You yourself, as much as anyone in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” ~Buddha
- “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ~Mother Teresa
- “If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” ~Thomas Alva Edison
Deadline
Every year, applications must be submitted by March 5th. Scholarship winners will be notified in person and made public by June 30th. Notifications will be sent by email to all other applicants.
When it comes to the selection process, The Melanie Foundation follows a non-discriminatory policy and takes into account several variables, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, sexual orientation, and status as a disabled veteran of the Vietnam War.
Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.
Please send all materials to [email protected].
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