Famous icons and trailblazers, as well as local mentors.
Winning essays in the 2021 Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest were inspired by those who helped make history – some internationally, some locally. And one aspect they all had in common is this: their stories – those we honor for Black History Month – have the power to inform the present and shape the future.
Now, once again, Regions is inviting students to submit essays about inspirational Black Americans as the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest enters another year and accepts applications for a new round of awards.
We know that investment in today’s students drives change for tomorrow.
Abbas Merchant, head of Corporate Marketing for Regions Bank
“We know investments in today’s students drive change for tomorrow,” said Abbas Merchant, head of Corporate Marketing for Regions Bank. “Through the Riding Forward Scholarship Contest, we can provide opportunities for these future leaders while honoring Black Americans who have made a difference in our communities.”
Applications will be accepted throughout February and March in 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 are granted in the amount of $5,000 for high school winners and $3,500 for college winners.
This year, for the first time in the contest’s history, applicants will have the option to submit a video essay. Traditional written essays will also be accepted. High school and college winners will be selected in each of the two entry categories.
Since the inception of the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Contest in 2012, Regions has awarded over a million dollars to more than 300 students.
The expansion of the awards to include a video essay category will double the total winning scholarships typically granted annually in the past, and it will help extend the reach of these inspiring stories.
Here are more details about the 2022 Regions Riding Forward© Scholarship Contest:
- Each applicant must submit a 500-word (or less) written essay or a 3-minute (or less) video essay that addresses how a Black American individual has been an inspiration in the applicant’s life, and that discusses the contributions of that Black American individual.
- Applications must be submitted on or before March 31, 2022.
- 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.
Read last year’s winning essays
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.