Mario West Foundation

DEFEND THE DREAM

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Defend the Dream Scholarship

Direct financial support for students working toward their next educational goal, named after the message at the heart of everything we do.
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Investing directly in a student's next step.

The Defend the Dream Scholarship provides direct funding toward tuition and fees for students pursuing their next goal, administered together with the Douglas County Education Foundation (DCEF). In 2026 the scholarship supported four students (Camille Scott, Stevenson Vallere, Destiny Hawkins, and Elliott Agyekum) at the college or university of their choice. Every award is a vote of confidence in a student who is already doing the work.

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled in the Douglas County School System (Douglas County High School and partner schools)
  • Demonstrates financial need or significant personal drive to continue their education
  • In good academic standing at time of application
  • Willing to share their story as part of the foundation's Annual Impact Report

What's Covered

  • Direct scholarship funds toward Fall-term tuition and fees
  • Recognition at the Defend the Dream Back-to-School Day
  • A spot in the foundation's mentorship program
  • Feature consideration for the Annual Impact Report's "Dream Defended" story
HOW TO APPLY

Four simple steps.

01

Confirm Eligibility

Review the requirements above to make sure you qualify before applying.

02

Complete the Application

Fill out the Defend the Dream Scholarship application, including short-answer questions about your goals.

03

Submit Your Materials

Send your completed application and any supporting materials for review.

04

Hear Back From Us

Selected students are notified and recognized at an upcoming Foundation event.

Start My Application
Donate to the Scholarship Fund

Application windows and deadlines are set annually. Check back or contact us for the current cycle.

FAQ'S

Common Questions

Students within the Douglas County School System are eligible today. The 2026 class came from schools across the district. We plan to keep expanding partner schools as the program grows.

Each award is granted for the current application cycle. Past recipients are welcome to reapply in future cycles.

Yes, the application includes short-answer questions about your goals and how the scholarship will help you take your next step.

Applications are reviewed by the foundation’s scholarship committee based on eligibility, need, and demonstrated drive.