We are excited to announce a mental health scholarship aimed at students in Bergen County, New Jersey. This scholarship is designed to encourage and support future professionals who are committed to promoting mental health awareness in their careers.

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Eligibility Criteria

• Students must be residents of Bergen County, New Jersey

• Applicants should be enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution or planning to enroll

• All applicants must submit a video essay as part of their application

 

Video Essay Requirements

Applicants are required to create a video essay that is no longer than 10 minutes. The video should address the following points:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your background

• Passion for Mental Health: Explain what motivates you to support mental health awareness

• Professional Goals: Describe your career aspirations and how they relate to mental health

• Action Plan: Outline specific strategies you plan to implement to promote mental health awareness in your professional career

• Conclusion: Summarize your commitment to mental health advocacy

 

Submission Guidelines

• Video essays must be submitted in a digital format (e.g., MP4, MOV)

• Ensure the video is clear and audible, with good lighting and sound quality

• Include your name, contact information, and a brief description of your video in the submission

 

Selection Process

A panel of judges will review all submissions based on clarity, creativity, and the applicant's demonstrated commitment to mental health awareness. Selected finalists may be invited for an interview.

 

Deadline

All video essays must be submitted by May 31st, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

 

Award Information

We will be awarding two $1,500 scholarships (total of $3,000). Winners will be announced in July 2026.

 

Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding the scholarship or application process, please contact us at contact@nnmhf.org.

 

NNMHF 2026 Scholarship Rules and Rubric

 

Purpose and Principles​

The purpose of the scholarship is to assist college-bound students from New Jersey, including Waldwick, who are committed to promoting mental health awareness in their community throughout their careers and lives. The primary scoring criteria reflects this purpose.

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External Rules

WHS Scholarship:

• Available to all graduating college-bound seniors of Waldwick High School

Bergen County Scholarship:

• Available to all graduating college-bound seniors attending high schools in Bergen County, New Jersey who are residents of New Jersey

Rules for Both:

• Applicants must submit a video essay explaining their commitment to promoting mental health awareness in their community throughout their career and life

• Video essays must be shorter than 10 minutes

• Applicants are encouraged to introduce themselves in their videos

• Submission deadline is May 31st, 2026

• Winners will be announced in July 2026

 

2026 NNMHF Scholarship Rubric (Total: 40 Points)

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Video Essay (15 Points)

• Cohesive message (5 points)

• Creativity and quality (5 points)

• Timing and pacing (5 points)

 

Commitment to Mental Health Advocacy (25 Points)

• Demonstrated prior involvement in mental wellness initiatives (10 points)

• Future goals related to mental wellness initiatives (5 points)

• Academic connections to mental health (5 points)

• Authenticity (5 points)