QUALIFICATIONS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

From Tragedy to Transformation, One Scholarship at a Time

​

The Jalen Talbert Memorial Scholarship extends its support to victims who have experienced the devastating loss of a parent or sibling to homicide. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

​

• Must be 18 years old or older.

​

• Must be an immediate family member of a murder victim.

​

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

​

• Must be enrolled full-time in a U.S. institution, pursuing a degree program, and this includes a range of educational paths such as two-year or four-year programs, as well as trade programs. The scholarship has a specific focus on creative arts.

​

• Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

​

• Applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or equivalent financial documentation. The scholarship committee may request additional documentation to validate the financial information provided, ensuring fair and accurate assessment.

​

• Submit documentation confirming your acceptance or enrollment in an accredited educational program.

​

• Share your story in a 500-word personal essay, exploring the ways a homicide crime of an immediate family member has shaped your life. Reflect on the crucial role of counseling in guiding your grief process and explain the personal reasons that makes this scholarship significant to you.  Intentional false statements will disqualify applicants.

​

• Applicants are required to have either completed a minimum of 6 months of grief counseling or be currently participating in counseling through a recognized service, such as a counseling center, hospice, grief support group, faith-based program.. (we should have recommendations available as well for our database)