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Scholarships

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee is pleased to offer scholarships to support mentees in their postsecondary pathways, including two- and four-year schools, trade schools, and certificate programs.

Eligible seniors, as well as those currently in a postsecondary program, can apply for multiple scholarships through one application.

2025 APPLICATION COMING SOON.

Scholarships awarded include:

  • BBBS-ETN General Scholarship Fund
  • The Austin French Memorial Scholarship
  • The Michael Harrison Manrod Scholarship
2023 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

Pictured from left: Keyshauna Dickey, Samyah McGhee, Dy’Keise Perez, Malia Lawrence, Caniyra Rowan, Alexis Ahern, Connor Hensley, Maria Nshimirimana, Dustin Henderlight

2024 Winners

BBBS-ETN General Scholarship Fund

  • Dustin Henderlight, Alumni Little
  • Alexis Ahern, Alumni Little
  • Brooke Cherry, matched with Big Jessica since 2019
  • Caniyra Rowan, matched with Big Shannon since 2015
  • Keyshauna Dickey, matched with Big Jenise since 2022
  • Dy’Keise Perez, Alumni Little
  • Samyah McGhee, matched with Big Lizzie since 2021
  • Malia Lawrence, Alumni Little
  • Maria Nshimirimana, matched with Big Laurie since 2013

MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Austin French Memorial Scholarship
This Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of Austin French. Austin met his Big Brother Bill on April 8th, 2010, as a third-grader at Lonsdale Elementary in Knoxville, TN. The friendship grew over nearly a decade, through Austin’s graduation from Oliver Springs High School in May 2019. Tragically, Austin passed away in an automobile accident five days after his high school graduation.

Though the scholarship is open to all Littles, priority will go to mentees who plan to attend trade school, Austin’s dream after high school. Additional weight will be given to Littles involved in a long-term match, as well as those who demonstrate Austin’s values and character traits such as kindness and respect for others, a strong work ethic, and devotion to family.

Austin French Memorial Scholarship recipients will be selected by Austin’s Big Brother, Bill; the Big Brother of Austin’s biological brother Kameron; and members of Austin’s family.

2021 Winner:

  • Derrick Werkheiser – Derrick was matched with Big Austin in December 2014.
The Michael Harrison Manrod Scholarship
Michael Harrison Manrod (1992-2020) attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and graduated from Knoxville Catholic High School in 2010, lettering in ice hockey. He attended New York University and the University of Tennessee where his studies focused on psychology and social work, with the goal of applying his education to help others. Michael later discovered his true calling, cooking, and was excited to be accepted into the Culinary Institute of America for Fall Semester 2020. Sadly, Michael passed from complications due to long-term epilepsy three months before the start of that semester.

Despite being challenged with health issues throughout his life, Michael consistently displayed genuine concern for others. He possessed a keen wit and sense of humor accompanied by a passion for history. His knowledge was vast and impressive. Michael was deeply loved by his family and friends.

The Manrod Scholarship was created in memory of Michael’s compassionate nature and in recognition of those dreams he did not have the time to fulfill. It is a response to transform the end of one life into new and hopeful beginnings for others; a response to provide opportunity. This scholarship is designed for an aspiring college or trade school student, preferably first-generation, who demonstrates a passion for learning, compassion for others, and an ability to stare adversity in the face and carry on.

2021 Winners:

  • Aniiah Matthews – Aniiah was matched with Big Mary in September 2009.
  • Grayson McGinnis – Grayson was matched with Big Tyler in June 2013.
  • Jazmine Walker – Jazmine was matched with Big Whitney in November 2017.

Pictured from left: Bill Parks, Austin French’s Big Brother; scholarship winner, Derrick Werkheiser; Landon French, Austin’s brother; Lydseann French, Austin’s mother; Kameron French, Austin’s brother; and (in back) Gabe Denny, Kameron’s Big Brother at the 2021 College and Career Fair.”