Lauren Leonard Memorial Scholarship

$500–$1500 Scholarships

This scholarship honors the life and legacy of Lauren Leonard, one of Hope for Suffolk’s trailblazing interns, who tragically passed away before completing her college degree at Old Dominion University. Lauren was known for her determination, kindness, and unwavering commitment to personal growth and excellence. In her memory, we are proud to offer this scholarship to support the ongoing journeys of Hope for Suffolk interns and alumni.

Read through the sections below on eligibility, criteria, required materials, and procedure, then start your application at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility

A Hope for Suffolk graduate or participant who ended their internship season in good standing and completed at least 70% of the internship. (Contact Nyasia Johnson for clarification if needed.)
All candidates must be planning to pursue a post-secondary opportunity, which may include a trade/vocational school, two-year college, four-year university, certificate/licensure program, or other pathway aligned with their career goals.
Has not previously won the Lauren Leonard Memorial Scholarship (formerly the Hope for Suffolk Scholarship).

Criteria

Each candidate will write a 500–750 word essay responding to ONE of the following prompts. Please clearly state which prompt you are responding to on the application.

Describe areas in your life where you demonstrated leadership and overcame obstacles through your community, school, social, or family life.
Explain the importance of growing organic and treating the environment well.
Explain what it means to be a good student in the community, in extracurricular activities, and in the classroom. Share how you have demonstrated this.
Reflect on your experiences as a Hope for Suffolk intern and how it has shaped your goals. How do you plan to leverage your education for positive change in your community?
Explain how receiving this scholarship will further your educational and career objectives, enabling you to make a lasting contribution to the community.
Driving safely and minding the rules of the road are critical for protecting yourself and others. Reflect on how you have grown as a responsible driver, or how you plan to improve your driving habits and contribute to a culture of safety on the road.

Required Materials

One letter of recommendation (no relatives)
Official OR unofficial transcript
Resume
Complete online scholarship application form

Procedure

The online application will open on Monday, June 16, 2025, and close on Friday, July 11, 2025.
All applications must be submitted online only via the Hope for Suffolk website. No paper or in-person applications will be accepted.
Candidates will participate in a formal interview (Date TBA).
Selected recipients will receive their funds once they have graduated from high school AND provided proof of enrollment in their post-secondary program.

Lauren Leonard Memorial Scholarship Application

"*" indicates required fields

Name*

First Last

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

Phone*

Email*

Birthdate*

Current High School*

What year will you graduate?*

Which post-secondary institution do you plan on attending?*

Semester and Year (e.g., Fall 2025)*

Proof of acceptance or student enrollment is required prior to receipt of funds.

If you are a graduating senior, list the institutions you have applied to. If you are NOT a graduating senior, list some post-secondary institutions or programs you are interested in applying to:*

GPA (on a 4.0 scale):*

ACT Score (if applicable)

SAT Score

PSAT scores acceptable. If you have not taken the ACT or SAT, write “N/A.” This will not disqualify you.

List your academic honors, awards, and membership activities while in high school

List any leadership positions you have held (sports, work, in the community, etc.)

List the name of any AP, Honors, or Dual Enrollment classes you have taken

What specialty/major do you plan to pursue as you continue your education?

What are your educational and professional goals and objectives?

List your community service activities, hobbies, outside interests, and extracurricular activities

Which essay prompt will you be responding to?*

How do you plan to use these scholarship funds? (tuition, books, tools, equipment, program fees, startup costs, etc.)*

Have you previously won the Lauren Leonard Memorial Scholarship (formerly the Hope for Suffolk Scholarship)?

Yes

No

I give permission for Hope for Suffolk to use excerpts from my essay or application responses in future publications or social media.

Yes

No

Upload your letter of recommendation (no relatives)*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 5 MB.

Upload your official or unofficial transcript*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 5 MB.

Upload your resume*

Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 5 MB.

Phone

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

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