THE JEWEL SMITH MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Honoring Resilience, Faith, and Advocacy

Award Amount: $250

Application Deadline: November 15, 2025 (SPRING 2026)

Overview:

The Jewel Smith Memorial Scholarship honors the remarkable legacy of Jewel Smith—a devoted mother, tireless advocate, and bold scholar—who, at 71 years old, earned her Masters of Law Degree with a concentration in Human Rights just six days before her passing. Despite being diagnosed with mental illness at age 31, Ms. Smith raised five children as a single mother. She dedicated her life to fighting for women and children impacted by human trafficking. She championed justice through action, and healing through faith, forever holding to the belief of a better world.

In her honor, this scholarship recognizes students who share her spirit of resilience and her commitment to justice. This scholarship supports high school seniors who have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity and who have or had a parent or caregiver diagnosed with a mental illness. This scholarship is designed to encourage the next generation of compassionate leaders who aspire to transform lives through public policy, law, psychology, or religious studies.

Eligibility Requirements:

- High school senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0

- Pursuing a degree in Law, Public Policy, Religion, or Psychology

- Has or had a parent/caregiver diagnosed with mental illness

Application Includes:

- Completed Application Form

- Official Transcript

- Proof of college acceptance/enrollment

- One Letter of Recommendation

- Essay (750 words max)

Please contact Dr. Maureen Smith at maureen@msmithmediation.com for further information, essay prompt and application form.