top of page
EUGENE MELVIN MELCHIOR ll

The Eugene Melvin Melchior ll Scholarship Program is designed to address the financial needs of individuals impacted by incarceration.  It is a benefit that will impact our communities as individuals are provided growth opportunities. 

 

We are offering two $1,000 scholarships annually as follows: 

  • Right Road Scholarship for a returning citizen (formerly incarcerated) for higher education opportunity to become more marketable citizens of our community, which will lend itself to better employment opportunities.

  • Eugene Melvin Melchior II Scholarship for a high school graduate, impacted by incarceration, ages 17-21, pursuing a higher education opportunity.  This scholarship supports preventing generations of incarceration.

Eligibility

The scholarship is only open to returning citizens (formerly incarcerated) and family members impacted by incarceration.

 

Selection Criteria

Returning citizens must demonstrate remorse for their action and a willingness to change.  Family members must demonstrate hope in their future and strength to overcome setbacks.   Applicants must complete our application and participate in an in-person or phone interview with the Failsafe Scholarship Education Committee to finalize the application process.  They will be contacted directly to schedule the interview after the deadline date.

 

Application Process

Applicants must write an essay about how they intend to use their field of study for the good of the community.  Give us some insight into your personal background and why you chose your field in particular, and any other information you feel is relevant. Your essay will be judged based on originality and creativity.  Weight will be given to financial need, situational hardship, community service, and leadership potential.

 

Submission Requirements

  • The Eugene Melvin Melchior ll Scholarship Program Application Form - DOWNLOAD HERE or fill out the online application below.
     

  • Essay length should be no more than 500 words.  Upon submission, the essay becomes the property of Failsafe-ERA
     

  • A brief biography and recent photo.  The photo will be used for publicity purposes on the Failsafe website and social media platform.
     

  • Two Letters of Recommendation in support of your  application for the Eugene Melvin Melchior ll Scholarship Program.  You may select anyone from your local community who you believe can best address your personal character, commitment to community service and leadership qualities.

 

DONATE BELOW

Once a candidate is notified of winning, the candidate has three days to respond and accept the scholarship award. If the selected candidate does not respond within the allotted time, another winner will be chosen. Once the winner(s) are selected, the scholarship(s) will be awarded at our Annual Second Chance Hall of Change Gala, at no cost to the recipient plus one.

Please forward application materials to:

 

FAILSAFE-ERA

7124 Salem Fields Blvd., PMB #111

ATTN:  Scholarship Committee

Fredericksburg, VA 22407

2015 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Scholarship Recipient:  Mr. Roy Branklin (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit:  Master’s Program in Mental Health

 

2016 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Scholarship Recipients: 

Mr. Dale Hodges (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit:  Commercial Drivers License (Truck Drivers Training)

 

Ms. Destanee Whitmer (Family member)

Educational Pursuit:  Psychology through Germanna Community College

 

2017 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Scholarship Recipients: 

Ms. Lisa Collins Moore (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit:  Business major at Germanna Community College 

 

Ms. Paula Morgan (Family Member)

Educational Pursuit:  Nursing with a Spanish minor at Liberty University

 

2018 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Scholarship Recipients:

Ms. Aretha McDowney (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit:  Mary Washington

 

Ms. Brittany Duff (Family Member)

Educational Pursuit: 

 

2019 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Scholarship Recipients:

Mr. Kenneth Williams (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit:  Business Degree at Germanna Community College

 

Ms. Je’Niqua Morris (Family Member)

Educational Pursuit:  Leadership at Old Dominion University with interest in Culinary Arts

 

2022 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Scholarship Recipient:  Michael Mageau (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit:  Ministry at Cornerstone College of Virginia

​

2023 Gala and Scholarship Fundraiser

Mr. Isiah Landry (Returning Citizen)

Educational Pursuit: Master Barber at Faded and Co

​

Mr. Rashaun Booker ( Family Member)

Educational Pursuit: Cyber Security

​

​

​

bottom of page