The Ryan Bartel Foundation Launches $2,500 Heart of Humanity Award Scholarship on February 14
The Ryan Bartel Foundation, a Loudoun County nonprofit focused on preventing youth suicide, has announced the launch of a new $2,500 scholarship award called “The Heart of Humanity Award.”
The scholarship recognizes high schoolers who help others struggling with their mental health. These individuals do so with acceptance, respect, and without judgement. Through a significant endowment from the foundation’s founders, the scholarship is intended to inspire a culture of peer-to-peer support, kindness and caring towards anyone going through a difficult time with their mental health that will carry on for years to come.
“We developed this unique award in memory of the values our son Ryan stood for,” says Suzie Bartel, founder of the nonprofit. “This award is not based on academic achievement, athletic prowess, or extracurricular leadership. This scholarship recognizes young people who constantly go out of their way to help their peers who are struggling with mental and emotional well-being. We know that young people turn to their peers first when they’re struggling; we want to encourage and reward those who help them because one kind act can save someone’s life.”
Two scholarship awards of $2,500 each will be available for this nomination period. The scholarship is open to high school seniors attending public, private or home schools. To be considered for this award, individuals cannot nominate themselves. Nominations can be made by an who witnesses consistent acts of kindness, help and support from this individual towards their peers’ mental wellness.
“What better way for an individual to say thank you to a peer who helps them get through a difficult time in life than to nominate them for the Heart of Humanity Award,” says Val Walters, executive director of the Ryan Bartel Foundation.
Have someone in mind with a compassionate heart? Visit the Heart of Humanity award link. The nomination window opens on Valentine’s Day through March 30, 2023.
About Ryan Bartel Foundation
Ryan Bartel Foundation is a 501(c) 3 whose mission is to prevent youth suicide through awareness, upstream educational programs and activities that support and empower youth, families, and the community at-large through acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope.
