** A sliding scale application fee helps support the integrity and administration of this scholarship. These fees directly contribute to operational costs, such as payment processing, website hosting, and software. More importantly, it helps ensure that our independent panel of industry experts is fairly compensated for their time and careful consideration. We are firmly committed to accessibility. If the application fee presents a barrier, please contact our support team, and we will confidentially work with you to find a solution. We also welcome and encourage "pay-it-forward" contributions from those who are able. This generosity directly supports applicants with greater financial need, helping us ensure this opportunity is open to all.