Avis' Legacy Scholarship

Applications for the 2025 scholarship open January 6, 2025. If you would like to be added to our mailing list to receive notifications about future scholarship deadlines, please email info@blessingourwomeninc.org.

Award: The scholarship amount is $500. Each year, the number of scholarships will be determined by March of that year. Each awardee will also be allowed to attend our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon as an Honoree.

About Blessing Our Women, Inc. (B.O.W. Inc.): Blessing Our Women, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that recognizes and honors the angels who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Our hearts go out to every family devastated by this tragedy. As part of our mission, we remember our angels through our memorial scholarship fund. Each of our scholarships is uniquely named after one of our angels.

Since 2015, we have been dedicated to:

• Conducting educational annual luncheons about domestic violence awareness
• Encouraging others to speak out
• Sharing our stories
• Ensuring every survivor that “They are not alone”

About Avis Wells: This scholarship is named in honor of Avis Wells, my beloved aunt who tragically lost her life to domestic violence when she was shot by her children's father. Avis left behind six children—one girl and five boys, including a set of twin boys. This situation is deeply personal to me, not only because Avis was my aunt, but also because I recently faced my own battle with domestic violence. Last year, I was shot in the face by my boyfriend. This incident has made the scholarship even more important to me, highlighting the urgent need to support those affected by domestic violence.

Requirements for the Scholarship: Applicants must be an undergraduate student or a prospective student entering college/university by the Fall Semester. They must have been personally affected by domestic violence, have volunteer experience with domestic violence, and hold a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Students will be required to submit by midnight Saturday, April 26, 2025:

• Application
• A 2-page typewritten personal statement:
  • Page 1: How domestic violence impacted your education
  • Page 2: How this scholarship will impact your future
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Community Service Verification (60 hours at a Domestic Violence Center)
• Official transcripts:
  • High School Seniors: Submit high school transcript
  • College Students: Submit most recent college transcript
  • New Students without a transcript available: Submit a short story explaining why you are unable to provide a transcript

Submission Details: Applicants must submit the required documents via mail to:                                         

                    Blessing Our Women, Inc.
                   3157 Gentilly Blvd. Suite 2005
                   New Orleans, LA 70122

Failure to submit all required documents will disqualify you from further consideration.

The student must submit proof of enrollment in a college/university before the award is made. Notification of award will be completed between June 22nd and June 28th, 2025.

Application Process Overview:

1. Review the eligibility requirements.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Write your personal statement and gather your letters of recommendation.
4. Complete your community service hours and obtain verification.
5. Collect your official transcripts.
6. Mail all required documents to the address provided.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Who is eligible to apply for the scholarship?Applicants must be personally affected by domestic violence, have volunteer experience with domestic violence, and hold a minimum 2.5 GPA.
• Can I apply if I am a high school senior?Yes, high school seniors who will be entering college/university by the Fall Semester are eligible.
• What should be included in my personal statement?Your personal statement should address how domestic violence impacted your education and how this scholarship will impact your future.

Testimonials: "I am deeply grateful for the Avis Legacy Scholarship. It has not only provided financial support but also honored my journey as a survivor. The recognition and support from Blessing Our Women Inc. have empowered me to pursue my educational goals with confidence."
— Cassandra L., Scholarship Recipient 2020

Contact Information: For any questions or assistance with your application, please contact us at info@blessingourwomeninc.org.

Thank you for your interest in the Avis Legacy Scholarship. Your support helps us honor Avis Wells and other victims of domestic violence while empowering survivors to pursue their educational goals. Together, we can make a difference.

We are honored to announce the recipients of the Avis Legacy Scholarship, an award dedicated to the memory of Avis Wells and aimed at empowering survivors of domestic violence through education. Each year, we recognize outstanding individuals who have demonstrated resilience and determination in overcoming the challenges posed by domestic violence. Each recipient receives a $500 scholarship and is honored at our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon.

We are incredibly proud of these recipients and their commitment to using their experiences to create a better future for themselves and others. Their stories of resilience and hope are truly inspiring.

Please join us in congratulating all our scholarship recipients on their well-deserved awards. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at our Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon.

Thank you to all the applicants for sharing your stories and aspirations with us. The strength and determination demonstrated by each of you is commendable. We encourage all applicants to continue striving towards your goals and making a difference in your communities.

For more information about the Avis Legacy Scholarship and how you can support future scholarships, please contact us at info@blessingourwomeninc.org.