“The Regions Riding Forward Scholarship has given me the opportunity to focus more completely on academics so that I can eventually have the opportunity to make a difference in my community as I continue my education.” That’s what Jaylen Lockhart, a 2021 scholarship recipient, had to say when asked what receiving the Riding Forward Scholarship meant to her.
For more than a decade, Regions has supported the next generation of leaders through the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest. The contest gives high school and college students the opportunity to win a $3,500 or $5,000 college scholarship while celebrating the stories of inspiring Black Americans. To enter, students can submit a written or video essay that addresses how a Black American individual has inspired the applicant. The essay may focus on any Black American – from a well-known, high-profile figure to a relative, educator, or other community member – who has served as an inspiration in the student’s life.
Since the inception of the Riding Forward Scholarship Contest in 2012, Regions has awarded over a million dollars to more than 300 students. We caught up with five recent contest winners to learn where they are now, and what the scholarship and Black History Month mean to them.
There’s still time to apply for one of this year’s scholarships. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2022. High school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores and juniors who are residents of (or who are currently enrolled in accredited colleges in) the 15 states that have Regions Bank full-service branches may apply.
Scholarships will include a total of 30 awards of $5,000 each for high school winners (15 scholarships for written essays and 15 scholarships for video essays) and 30 awards of $3,500 each for winners who are currently enrolled as college students (15 scholarships for written essays and 15 scholarships for video essays).
An independent selection committee will judge the written essay and video essay submissions and select the winners.
For official rules, complete entry details, and eligibility requirements, visit the contest website at www.regions.com/ridingforward. No purchase or banking relationship is required to enter the contest.