CURATOR NOTE: As we enter the fifth year of the BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards, we continue to dedicate these awards to Everette "Pop" Stephenson, my grandfather, whose wisdom and strength have always been the foundation of this work. This year carries a deeper meaning, as he transitioned July 11, 2025. His impact and legacy remain a guiding light, a bridge connecting the lessons he lived with the opportunities we are creating for the next set of "builders".
-Brittany N. Stephenson
The BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards is about more than funding. It’s about connection, linking dreams with possibility, bridging potential with resources, and honoring those who built pathways beefore us.
This year's theme, "BEE THE BRIDGE"', invites applicants to carry forward the same spirit of connection that beegan with the inaugural cohort. Once again, the BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards will distribute three $1,500.00 scholarships to working high-school seniors or currently enrolled college students. The purpose of these awards continues to bee an offering of financial support to individuals who are working (part-time or full-time) in order to secure their educational goals and aspirations.
The BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards may be used towards tuition, books, or other college expenses, including housing or transportation. Funds will be distributed directly to the award recipients.
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Must follow @itsbusybeesva on all social media platforms
2. Must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident
3. Must be a high school senior (c/o '26) or college student attending an accredited college, university, or trade school or program (award will be granted upon verification of admittance)
4. Must be a college student currently enrolled at an accredited college or university, trade school or program
5. Must be working (part-time or full-time) in conjunction with your educational endeavors. This requirement includes work-study, internships/externships, or other programs that are aligned with your goals.
6. Must exhibit a level of financial need.
Applications will be accepted from August 25, 2025-October 4, 2025. Winners will be selected and notified no later than October 20, 2025. Questions about the BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards may be forwarded to letsgetbusy@busybeesva.com.
It's been nearly 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.
2024 BEE, YOU AWARD RECIPIENTS
Ranyah Bullock, 2024, GO GETTER
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
The 2025 BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards are back and we hope you apply.
CURATOR NOTE: As we enter the fifth year of the BEE, YOU Scholarship Awards, we continue to dedicate these awards to Everette "Pop" Stephenson, my grandfather, whose wisdom and strength have always been the foundation of this work. This year carries a deeper meaning, as he transitioned July 11, 2025. His impact and legacy remain a guiding light, a bridge connecting the lessons he lived with the opportunities we are creating for the next set of "builders".
-Brittany N. Stephenson