For Students

Scholarships that open doors.

Each year, Ready Set Dream Big awards scholarships to support our community's learners, students and adults alike, as they work toward their futures. We believe your circumstances should never decide your dreams.

Apply Online How It Works

Prefer paper? Download the PDF and email it to info@rsdreambig.org.

Our Scholarships

Five ways we invest in students.

You're welcome to apply for more than one. We accept applications from July 1 through August 16, 2026 (11:59 pm), and our scholarships are open to both students and adults. Each scholarship has its own focus and details, listed below.

Twin Power Scholarship

Award: $250 · 3+ awarded · Ages 5 to 18

Established in memory of Malaysia Howell, who was tragically lost as an infant in 2019; her twin sister Milan survived. This scholarship helps promising youth and twins pursue a program or activity of their choice, from dance and sports to science, music, and writing. GA residents, ages 5 to 18.

STEM Scholarship

Award: $1,000 · 1 awarded · HS seniors & college freshmen

Sponsored by FindeREC, this scholarship supports students pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math, building a stronger pipeline of diverse, future-ready innovators. GA residents who are high school seniors or college freshmen.

George and Ruby Joseph Scholarship

Award: $1,000 · 1+ awarded · Ages 18+

Named for our founder's grandparents, who dedicated their lives to faith, education, and leadership, founding Faith Baptist Church and Bible Institute in South Bend, IN. This award encourages young adults to become leaders and pursue education, training, or entrepreneurship at an accredited program. GA residents, 18+, accepted into a program.

Jaden Blake Sports & Social Justice Scholarship

Award: $500 · 1 awarded · Ages 12 to 22

Honoring Jaden "King Jay" Blake, a standout pole vaulter and passionate social activist. This award supports young people pursuing pole vaulting or active in their communities in the fight for social justice. GA or IL residents, ages 12 to 22. Funded by BonManger Catering, Chicago, IL.

Belton M. Rivers Sports Scholarship

Award: $500 · 1+ awarded · Ages 5 to 18

Honoring Belton "YungBaller" Rivers, a standout athlete who played professionally overseas and devoted 30+ years to teaching the fundamentals of basketball, founding Ground Up Training in Atlanta. This award encourages kids pursuing basketball or other sports. GA residents, ages 5 to 18.

Our Signature Event

The Women Who Make It Happen Gala

Once a year, we come together for an elegant evening with a purpose: our gala is the fundraiser that powers our scholarships. Our 5th annual gala is October 11, 2026 at Topgolf, a night of inspiration, community, and celebration.

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Keynote SpeakersInspiring voices who share their stories and lift up our mission.
🛍️
Vendors & MarketplaceLocal businesses and makers showcasing their work for our guests.
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A Night With PurposeEvery ticket and sponsorship directly funds student scholarships.
RSDB seal
Gala Highlights

Moments from the gala.

Become a Gala Vendor or Sponsor

Want to be part of the evening? Businesses and makers can join as vendors for a $85 table fee, and sponsors can put their name behind a night that sends local students toward their dreams. Apply using the vendor form and we will reply with payment details to confirm your table. Custom partnerships are always welcome.

How to Apply

Three simple steps.

1

Choose your scholarship

Review the options above and pick the ones that fit you. You may apply for more than one.

2

Complete the application

Fill out the application and include your essay (1,000 words max), a photo, proof of volunteer service or school involvement, and an acceptance letter if applicable.

3

Submit by August 16

Applications are accepted July 1 through August 16, 2026 (11:59 pm). Submit online or email it to info@rsdreambig.org by the deadline. Recipients are notified by September 1, 2026.

Apply Online Download PDF Questions? Contact Us

The application is a fillable PDF. Fill it out and email it to info@rsdreambig.org by August 16, 2026.

Eligibility & Requirements

Who can apply.

General Eligibility

U.S. residents only. Most scholarships are open to Georgia residents (the Jaden Blake scholarship also includes Illinois). There is no GPA requirement.

Applicants should have shown a commitment to their community through unpaid volunteer service or school activities within the last 12 months. Age ranges vary by scholarship, see each scholarship above.

What to Submit

A completed application, an essay (1,000 words maximum) describing your dream and how education and this scholarship will help you achieve it and give back to your community, a photo, proof of volunteer service or school involvement, and an acceptance letter if applicable.

How funds are paid. Scholarship funds are paid either directly to the recipient or to the recipient's school.

Employees of Ready Set Dream Big Community Outreach, Inc. and their immediate relatives are not eligible. Past winners are not eligible again within a seven-year period. Full terms are provided with the application.

Help fund a student's dream.

Your gift helps cover tuition, books, and the costs that stand between a student and their next step. You can even sponsor a scholarship in full.