A Flagship Initiative of The STILL HERE Fund
The Ida B. Wells Educational Scholarship Fund
Because Your Future Still Matters
Supporting students whose educational journey has been impacted by chronic illness, dialysis, organ transplantation, disability, or caregiving responsibilities.
Why This Fund Exists
Your Future Still Matters
The Ida B. Wells Educational Scholarship Fund was established to support students whose educational journey has been interrupted, delayed, or challenged by chronic illness, dialysis treatment, organ transplantation, disability, cancer recovery, or significant caregiving responsibilities.
Too often, talented and determined individuals find their educational dreams placed on hold because of circumstances beyond their control.
This scholarship fund exists to recognize resilience, perseverance, determination, and hope.
Inspired by the legacy of Ida B. Wells — educator, advocate, and trailblazer — this initiative seeks to create educational opportunities for those who continue moving forward despite life's greatest challenges.
At Nicole Washington Ministries, we believe:
Your diagnosis does not determine your destiny.
Your setback does not determine your future.
Your story is not over.
Your future still matters.
Who This Fund Serves
Dialysis Patients
Students undergoing regular dialysis treatment while pursuing their education.
Transplant Recipients
Individuals recovering from or awaiting organ transplantation.
Caregivers
Students balancing education with caring for parents, spouses, children, or loved ones.
Chronic Illness Warriors
Those living with kidney disease, cancer, or other chronic conditions.
Returning Adult Learners
Students whose education was interrupted and are now returning to complete their goals.
Students with Disabilities
Individuals navigating education while managing physical or invisible disabilities.
A Vision Born From Experience
The Ida B. Wells Educational Scholarship Fund was not created from theory — it was created from experience. While attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Pastor Nicole Washington experienced firsthand how caregiving responsibilities can interrupt educational goals. She balanced her academic responsibilities while caring for her mother during periods of serious illness, at times forced to withdraw from classes because her mother's health needs demanded her care.
Years later, that journey continued — becoming a caregiver for her husband following his stroke, caring for her aging mother as dementia progressed, and eventually facing her own battle with kidney disease and dialysis treatments.
Through every season, one truth remained: adversity may interrupt a journey. It does not have to define it.
Eligibility & Application
Who May Apply
Applicants May Include
Special Consideration May Be Given To
Scholarship Opportunities
I'M STILL HERE
Scholarship
Awarded to students who have demonstrated extraordinary perseverance through adversity and continue pursuing their goals despite life's challenges.
The Courage to Continue
Scholarship
Created for individuals living with chronic illness, kidney disease, dialysis treatment, or organ transplantation.
The Caregiver's Heart
Scholarship
Supporting students who balance educational goals while caring for parents, spouses, children, siblings, or loved ones.
Nothing Happens by Chance
Scholarship
Awarded to individuals who have transformed hardship into purpose, growth, leadership, and determination.
Join the Scholarship Interest List
Be the first to know when scholarship applications open. We'll also share updates about upcoming opportunities and resources.
Support a Scholar
Change a Life Today
Every contribution helps provide scholarships, educational opportunities, encouragement, and hope to individuals facing extraordinary challenges. Together, we can invest in futures and remind someone that their story is not over.
Support a Scholar
Make a one-time or recurring gift directly supporting a scholarship recipient.
Sponsor a Scholarship
Underwrite a named scholarship and become a recognized supporter of education.
Monthly Supporter
Provide sustained support through a monthly commitment that fuels ongoing impact.
Corporate Sponsorship
Align your organization with a mission that transforms lives and communities.
Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Students at any level — high school seniors, college, trade school, graduate, and continuing education — whose educational journey has been impacted by chronic illness, dialysis, organ transplantation, disability, cancer recovery, or significant caregiving responsibilities. Special consideration is given to dialysis patients, transplant recipients, and family caregivers.
Application cycles are announced throughout the year. The best way to stay informed is to join the Scholarship Interest List — you'll be the first to know when the next application window opens, along with updates about new opportunities and resources.
Recipients are selected based on demonstrated perseverance through adversity, academic goals, community involvement, and alignment with the mission of the Ida B. Wells Educational Scholarship Fund. A review committee evaluates each application with care and prayer.
Yes, applicants may be considered for any of the named scholarships — including the I'M STILL HERE Scholarship, The Courage to Continue Scholarship, The Caregiver's Heart Scholarship, and the Nothing Happens by Chance Scholarship — through a single application.
You can support the fund by making a one-time or recurring gift, becoming a monthly supporter, sponsoring a named scholarship, or exploring corporate sponsorship opportunities. Every gift — no matter the size — helps open doors for students whose education has been interrupted by life's challenges.
Yes. Nicole Washington Ministries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations to the Ida B. Wells Educational Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. You will receive a donation receipt for your records.
We share updates, impact stories, and student testimonials as the scholarship fund grows. Supporters receive periodic communications highlighting the lives changed through their generosity. Impact numbers are also updated on this page as the fund expands.
We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to us at nywministries@gmail.com or call (678) 360-1006. Whether you're a prospective applicant, a donor, or someone who wants to learn more — we're here to help.
Still have questions? We're here to help.