The Chelse Widen Memorial Nursing Scholarship will open in February 2026. Applications are due April 1, 2026. The winner will be announced by May 1, 2026.
Eligible applicants include seniors enrolled in a Chesapeake, VA public high school planning to study Nursing at a college, university, or certification program. Applicants will compose 500-1,000 words about domestic abuse. This essay should be uploaded as a Word document. The winner will be selected based on three criteria: being a senior enrolled in a Chesapeake public high school, planning to study Nursing, and the strength of the essay. There is no G.P.A. requirement.
Essay prompt: In 500-1,000 words, identify and define three signs of domestic abuse. Then explain three ways to get help. This may include resources available in the community, approaches in counseling, ways to develop strength and resilience to escape, and so on. You may take the writing angle of someone finding themselves in an abusive situation or the angle of someone helping a friend or family member. Organize your essay into at least two paragraphs. If needed, document your research or source material with MLA or APA. While it is important to document source material to avoid plagiarism, perfection in documentation is not required for this scholarship application–a clear effort to provide appropriate credit is sufficient. The use of AI tools is prohibited. The winner’s essay will be featured on our website.
Short purpose statement (200 words or less): Applicants will include a short purpose statement in the scholarship application. The purpose statement will cover your motivation for studying Nursing, where you plan to study Nursing, if you have an interest in a certain specialization, and your plans for the future. The winner’s purpose statement will be posted on our website along with their first name, last initial, high school, and essay.
Honoring the life of Chelse. 1983-2025. 