It was February 19, 1973. Terence Hayes Sr. was only eleven years old when his world basically fractured. His mother, Ethel Hayes, a woman described as both kind and incredibly courageous, took her own life at the age of 29.
In the early 70s, people didn't really talk about what was happening behind closed doors, especially not regarding "inner struggles." For a young Black boy in that era, the silence was even louder. There were no counselors waiting in the school hallway. No one sat him down to explain the complexities of clinical depression or the weight of a "disturbed" mind. You just kept going.
Terence suppressed it all. For decades.
It wasn't until he was 49 that he decided to look back. He dove into psychology, eventually earning a doctorate from Liberty University. He wanted to understand what had happened to his mom. More importantly, he wanted to make sure other kids didn't have to carry that same heavy, silent bag. That’s how the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship was born.
What the Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship actually does
This isn't just another box-ticking academic award. Honestly, it's more of a call for honesty. The scholarship aims to support students who have either personally struggled with their mental health or have been deeply impacted by a family member's struggle.
The goal? Pull the topic out of the "darkness" and into the light where it can actually be dealt with.
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The funding varies because it’s a crowdsourced effort on the Bold.org platform, but it has historically ranged from $1,000 to over $6,000 depending on the year and the level of community contributions. Dr. Hayes started it to reach students—particularly those in the Black community where stigma remains a massive barrier—to show them that their stories aren't something to be ashamed of.
Who can apply?
It’s surprisingly open. Usually, when you think of scholarships, you think of a 4.0 GPA or being the captain of the lacrosse team. This one is different.
- Education Level: It typically covers high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students. Even vocational and trade school students are often eligible.
- The "Impact" Requirement: You must have a personal connection to mental health challenges. This could be your own diagnosis or the experience of supporting a parent, sibling, or close friend through their battle.
- The Essay: This is the meat of the application. You’re asked to write about how your journey with mental health has shaped your beliefs, your relationships, and how you see the world moving forward.
Why "Destigmatization" is more than just a buzzword
We hear the word "stigma" all the time in health classes, but in the context of the Ethel Hayes scholarship, it has a very specific, painful meaning. It refers to the "social death" that often precedes a literal one.
When Ethel Hayes was struggling in 1973, the lack of conversation wasn't just an oversight; it was a wall. Dr. Hayes has often spoken about how he felt he had to hide his grief and his own later struggles because he didn't want to be seen as "weak" or "crazy."
By funding a scholarship that requires students to write openly about these experiences, the program forces a dialogue. It rewards vulnerability.
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The ripple effect in the community
When a student wins this award, they aren't just getting a check for tuition. They’re getting a public acknowledgement that their struggle is a valid part of their human experience.
Dr. Hayes, who is also a pastor in Dayton, Ohio, uses his platform to bridge the gap between faith and mental health. This is huge. Often, in religious or tight-knit communities, mental health issues are dismissed as a "lack of faith" or something you can just "pray away."
The scholarship pushes back against that narrative. It says: "You can have faith and still need a therapist. You can be a high-achiever and still struggle to get out of bed."
How to stand out in your application
If you’re thinking about applying, don't write what you think a "scholarship committee" wants to hear. They don't want a generic essay about how "mental health is important for everyone."
They want your truth.
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- Be Specific. Don't just say it was "hard." Describe a specific moment where your perspective shifted. Maybe it was the day you finally asked for help, or the moment you realized your parent’s struggle wasn't your fault.
- Connect to the Future. The scholarship is about moving forward. How has this experience changed what you want to do with your life? Whether you’re going into social work or mechanical engineering, how does your mental health journey inform your work ethic or your empathy?
- Read the Donor’s Story. Understanding Dr. Hayes’s motivation—honoring his mother’s memory—can help you frame your essay in a way that resonates with the heart of the award.
The timeline and the "Bold" factor
Because this is hosted on Bold.org, the deadlines can sometimes shift, but typically, applications close in the summer (around June or July). One thing to keep in mind: Bold.org uses a "Bold Points" system. While the essay is the most important part, staying active on the platform and sharing the scholarship can sometimes help your profile's visibility.
It’s also a recurring scholarship. If you miss this year, it’ll likely be back. Dr. Hayes has been committed to this for years, and as more people contribute to the fund, the impact grows.
Actionable steps for your journey
If you're ready to tackle the stigma and get some help with school, here is how you actually do it:
- Create a Bold.org profile: Make sure it’s detailed. Don't leave sections blank.
- Draft your essay early: The word count is usually between 200 and 1,000 words. Aim for the middle—around 500-600 words is usually the sweet spot for a compelling narrative.
- Gather your "proof": While many mental health scholarships require a doctor's note, this one often relies on the power and authenticity of your story. However, keep your enrollment verification handy just in case.
- Look for "Semantic" matches: If you're applying for the Ethel Hayes scholarship, look for other "destigmatization" or "BIPOC mental health" awards on the same platform. You can often tweak one strong essay to fit multiple applications.
The Ethel Hayes Destigmatization of Mental Health Scholarship isn't going to fix the mental health crisis alone. It can't bring Ethel back. But for a student who has felt invisible because of their internal battles, it’s a powerful reminder that their voice—and their survival—is worth something.