Who Can Apply:
- Caelen Peterson was a beloved young man, son, and best friend who took his own life due to bullying and harassment.
- Many students like Caelen face bullying or go through other mental health challenges that can significantly impact or even end their lives, despite the support systems they have. Schools often don’t go far enough to fight bullying and protect their students. Combined with the stigmatization of mental illness and the discouragement of seeking treatment, people often don’t get the help they need.
- This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Caelen Peterson by supporting students who are committed to using their skills to help save lives.
- Any high school senior in Iowa within the Adel-DeSoto-Minburn (ADM) school district who is pursuing a career in mental health (therapist, psychiatrist, counselor, etc.) may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they’re passionate about helping others.
Submission: To apply, provide a response to the questions posed in the essay prompt. Please also provide two letters of recommendation from a non-relative acquaintance who has known you a minimum of two years. These can be counselors, volunteer leaders, church clergy, managers from work, etc. You must have your current cumulative GPA included in your profile to be considered.
Deadline: April 27, 2026
Amount: $5,000
Learn More: https://bold.org/scholarships/caelen-peterson-memorial-scholarship/
