BEE, YOU AWARDS

CULTIVATING POTENTIAL | YEAR SIX

"Hard work plus bravery equals success." - Mellody Hobson

Since 2021, the BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards has supported 18 working students across five award years, investing in students who are balancing work, education, and the pursuit of what's next. Several of our scholars have remained closely connected and supported beeyond their award year — sharing milestones, seeking guidance, and allowing us the privilege of continuing to pour into their journeys.

That continued investment is at the heart of our 2026 theme: CULTIVATING POTENTIAL.

As a former working college student, the purpose of these awards remains personal. I know firsthand what it means to balance work, education, responsibilities, and ambition — and what even a $1,500 investment can mean when you're working hard to keep moving forward.

Potential doesn't begin with an award. It is already there. It is cultivated through hard work, intentional choices, perseverance, opportunity, encouragement, and access to resources.

This year, we are excited to meet our next class of CULTIVATORS — working students who are actively investing in their own growth and the possibilities ahead.

Once again, the BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards will distribute three $1,500 scholarships to eligible working high-school seniors and currently enrolled college students. Awards may be used toward tuition, books, housing, transportation, or other college expenses and will be distributed directly to award recipients.

Applications Open: September 1, 2026
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Award Recipients Notified: No later than October 20, 2026

READY TO CULTIVATE WHAT'S NEXT?

APPLY FOR THE 2026 BEE, YOU SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

HER-STORY BEHIND THE AWARDS

BEAR WITH US.

It's been more 15 years since Brittany N. Stephenson graduated a semester early from Baylor University. Beefore the start of her freshman classes, she moved to Waco, Texas in order to find work and apply to one of the three full time jobs she held while also taking 18 hours a semester!

A full-time student with a few full-time jobs, Brittany understood the importance of working hard on the clock and in the classroom in order to get ahead.

She also knew all too well the cost of a "sad bear" at BU during her time there and remembers the moment she needed just $1,500 to start classes.

SPOILER ALERT: The Bear (financial aid indicator) eventually smiled again when she remitted payment but the value of $1,500 has never left her memory. She dedicates these awards to her late maternal grandfather, Everette "Pop" Stephenson.

2026 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS

COMING SOON!

2025 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS

Aliyah Johnson, 2025, BRIDGE BUILDER Class

Kaven Lester, 2025, BRIDGE BUILDER Class

Nikania Portalatin, 2025 BRIDGE BUILDER Class

2024 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS

Ranyah Bullock, 2024, GO GETTER Class

Derrick Cabbagestalk, 2024, DEDICATED Class

Ciara Harvey, 2024, DEDICATED Class

Greg Williams, 2024, DEDICATED Class

2023 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS

Cana White-Cary, 2023, LEADING Class

Jonathan Iraheta, 2023, LEADING Class

Joshua Ortiz, 2023, LEADING Class

2022 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS

Joanna Adjei, 2022, GRITTY Class

Galiba Anjum, 2022, GRITTY Class

Desiree Momoh, 2022, GRITTY Class

2021 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS

Demauri Davis, 2021, Inaugural Class

Chelsea Jackson, 2021, Inaugural Class

Rainaleen Liwanag, 2021, Inaugural Class

PLUS ONE SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS

Kaylin Moss, 2021, Inaugural Class

Nyla Smith, 2021, Inaugural Class

Brittany N. Stephenson, MSHRM Founder | Time Keeper [she/her/hers]

CULTIVATING POTENTIAL | YEAR SIX

HER-STORY BEHIND THE AWARDS

BEAR WITH US.

INAUGURAL BEE, YOU SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO

YEAR SIX IS HERE! 🐝🌱