In March of 2000, as a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering at Southern University I was encouraged by one of my many mentors, Dr. Diola Bagayoko, to apply for the newly established Gates Millennium Scholars Program, developed and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

After speaking to my Sorority's Delta Gems, a group of young ladies ages 12-18, I was asked if I could find my application essay.  I recently came across it and decided to post it on my website in an effort to help others in the development of their scholarship application essays.  After reading it again over 6 years later, I found some areas for improvement with this essay, however, the original version of it is below.  This essay, along with outstanding letters of recommendation, resume, transcript, etc. helped me to become a member of the inaugural class of Gates Millennium Scholars...Enjoy!

Gates Millennium Scholar Application Essay - Written March 13, 2000

I, Candice Marie Dixon, was born and raised in the wonderful city of Alexandria, Louisiana.  My mother works for the Sate of Louisiana as a Child Support Enforcement Officer and my older sister currently works as an Engineer in Texas.  One thing that my mother has always instilled in us is the fact that with Christ, anything is possible.  Therefore, I grew up knowing that being an African American female from a middle – low income single parent home was not an excuse for anything.  It is this background and upbringing that has made me the hardworking, goal-oriented person I am today.  I have always been someone who strives to go that extra mile and give 110% in everything I do.  In fact, many of my peers refer to me as an overachiever.  I did not want to just graduate from high school but graduate with Honors, in the top 5% of my class.  I did not just want to attend school, church. And community activities, but become an active leader and role model within them.  I do not want to simply graduate from college, but graduate with Honors having defended my thesis well.  I do not want to simply work at a successful company, but build and run my own competitive multi-billion (yes, billion) dollar firm.  I am not happy with being average or only doing what is necessary to get by.  My personal goal in everything I do, is to surround myself with the best of the best and then find a way to become even better than them.

So, being the type of person I’ve just described, I of course, an a very active student and leader.  I have participated in many worthwhile organizations including the Marching Band (1992-1998), 4-H Club (1989-1997), YMCA Black Achievers, and Kappa Instructional Leadership League where I served as President in 1998.  In December of 1997, I was featured in the Alexandria Daily Town Talk as an outstanding teenager for my high academic standing and active school and community involvement.  I was an active member of the W.O. hall Girl Scouts for 13 consecutive years and earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting, in 1996.  I currently serve as a Registered Adult Volunteer assisting the leader with meetings, crafts, camping trips, tutoring, etc.  I attend Mount Triumph Baptist Church where I currently sing in the Triumphateer Choir and assist with Sunday School and Vacation Bible School activities.  In August of 1998, I purchased and distributed school supply starter kits to 75 K-12 students at my church.  I am involved in the National Society of Black Engineers where I serve as Membership Chairperson, Student Government Association, Southern University Interdenominational Gospel Choir, and the Southern University Environmental Technology Consortium.  I am also a Timbuktu Academy Scholar and a Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LAMP) scholar.  Both organizations focus on preparing its scholars for graduate school and providing research experience.  I am a weekly volunteer at Southern University’s Head Start Center and a mentor to many freshmen majoring in science and engineering.

After graduating from Southern University with Honors, I plan to attend graduate school in the area of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science or Business Administration.  My goal is to build my own engineering firm which focuses primarily on research but will also include designing of new technologies, an engineering consulting firm, and manufacturing facilities. 

I am a very ambitious, confident, and hardworking young lady who sets goals and achieves them.  I am very active in many activities and I possess leadership, research, and technical skills that are needed today.  I believe that I am excellent candidate who will benefit greatly from your scholarship program.