Jayda Dionne Parker Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Jayda Dionne Parker Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Description
**Purpose and scope**
The Jayda Dionne Parker Scholarship Fund provides financial support to a deserving student enrolled in Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication. The award honors Jayda Dionne Parker by supporting students who demonstrate the qualities she embodied. Selection emphasizes merit and alignment with the scholarship’s mission rather than demographic factors.
Key takeaways
- Supports a deserving student in FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.
- Honors Jayda Dionne Parker by promoting her values.
- Selection is merit-based and not limited by demographics.
Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be accepted to or enrolled in FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication to qualify. The scholarship is open to all eligible students regardless of age, race, sex, or sexual orientation. Applicants should confirm they meet enrollment requirements before preparing materials.
Key takeaways
- Must be accepted or enrolled in FAMU’s School of Journalism and Graphic Communication.
- Open to all qualifying students without discrimination.
- Confirm enrollment status before applying.
Award Value
**Amount and disbursement**
The scholarship total is $2,000 for the award year. Payment is split into two equal installments: $1,000 for the Fall 2026 semester and $1,000 disbursed in December 2026 for the Spring 2027 semester.
Key takeaways
- Total award: $2,000.
- Disbursed in two $1,000 payments.
- Fall 2026 and December 2026 disbursements cover the 2026–2027 academic year.
Application Requirements
**Mandatory documents and content**
To be considered for the 2026–2027 scholarship cycle, applicants must submit a complete set of materials. Required items include the completed online application, proof of acceptance/enrollment in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, two letters of recommendation (from non-family adults), an official academic transcript mailed to the scholarship fund, and a 500–750 word essay that addresses specified personal-adversity and impact points.
Key takeaways
- Submit online application plus documentation of acceptance/enrollment.
- Provide two non-family letters of recommendation via the Reference Submission Form.
- Mail an official transcript and include a 500–750 word essay addressing required elements.
Application Timeline
**Cycle and consideration**
This information pertains to the 2026–2027 academic-year scholarship. Applicants must submit the full set of required materials for consideration in that cycle; incomplete submissions will not be eligible. Award funds are applied to the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters as described under Award Value.
Key takeaways
- Materials must be submitted for the 2026–2027 cycle to be considered.
- Incomplete applications are ineligible.
- Award applies to Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
How to Prepare
**Practical application tips**
Begin assembling application materials well before submission: request transcripts and recommendation letters early, and allocate time for drafting and revising your essay. Choose recommenders who know your academic or community contributions and who are not family members. Keep copies of all submitted documents and confirm receipt where possible.
Key takeaways
- Start early—request transcripts and recommendations in advance.
- Select recommenders familiar with your work (not family).
- Proofread the essay and retain copies of submissions.
Legacy and Essay Focus
**What the scholarship values**
The scholarship reflects Jayda Dionne Parker’s qualities of hard work, caring/service to others, and determination to succeed. While the essay requirement is detailed in the Application Requirements section, applicants should center their responses on personal growth and service-oriented outcomes that mirror these attributes. Demonstrating how overcoming a significant hurdle shaped your future plans will strengthen your candidacy.
Key takeaways
- The award emphasizes hard work, service, and perseverance.
- Essays should reflect personal growth aligned with those values.
- Show how overcoming obstacles influenced your goals.
Contact and Submission Details
**Where to send documents and where to learn more**
Official transcripts should be mailed to: Jayda Dionne Parker Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1636, Stone Mountain, GA 30086. For the online application, the Reference Submission Form, and background on Jayda’s life and values, visit www.jdpscholar.org/about-Jayda. Check the website for the application portal and any additional instructions.
Key takeaways
- Mail official transcripts to the scholarship PO Box in Stone Mountain, GA.
- Use www.jdpscholar.org/about-Jayda for the online application and reference form.
- Consult the website for the most current application instructions.