Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Description

Westfield Youth Assistance Program (WYAP) believes the world will be shaped by youth who know their purpose and own their power – the fighters, the conquers, the resilient who overcome – the ones who know that a mountain is climbed one step at a time. WYAP’s scholarship program is built for students, like you, who are determined to make the climb. This scholarship is provided by generous donors, the Brown Family, and the WYAP Board of Directors in honor of Christine D. (Cannon) Brown and the 502 children she advocated for during her tenure as an Early Intervention Advocate for WYAP.

Christine always saw the best in people, even if they didn’t believe in themselves, and loved them through any challenge they might be facing, rooting them on to overcome that challenge and be a better human because of the experience. Through her own actions, Christine believed in grit, hard work, and perseverance.

The Scholarship Committee is not looking for the “best” or “most accomplished” student. We are looking for youth who won’t be defined by things that have happened in their lives, who know who they are, and who know how they want to impact the world. Power occurs when you accept your strengths, feel confident, and build resilience to face challenges over the course of your life. It is the positive things you feel about yourself and what you believe about yourself that will change the world. Knowing your purpose and owning your power means being:

  • Worthy
  • Independent
  • Brave
  • Living into your values
  • Persevere through “things that happen to you”
  • Making sure your life has a purpose

Eligibility

WYAP provides one (1) $5,002 scholarship to current or former students or graduates who have resided in or attended a Westfield Washington Township school (i.e. Westfield Public Schools, Guerin Catholic High School, Options High School, Homeschooling, etc.). All recipients must demonstrate their plans for continued education. You must be a graduating senior or no older than age 25 to be eligible for the scholarship. You may apply for this scholarship more than once, but you can only be selected as the recipient once. Scholarships will be provided directly to the institution.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship committee will be reviewing applications and making selections based on the following criteria in no particular order:

  • Demonstration of Financial Need
  • Alignment with the Core Purpose of WYAP’s Annual Scholarship
  • Preparedness to Succeed in Chosen Academic Pursuit
  • Quality of Overall Application

The application for the 2025 scholarship is not yet available. We will post links on all of our social media channels, so keep an eye out for the scholarship open announcement.

Application Link: COMING SOON

Past Recipients

  • 2023: Ashley Ice
  • 2024: Reis Middleton

A memorial marker for Christine Brown can be found in Asa Bales Park alongside the pathway.

If you would like to donate to support the continuing of Christine’s legacy with the Christine D. Brown Memorial Scholarship, please select the ‘Christine Cannon Brown Memorial Gift’ campaign on the drop-down menu: Westfield Youth Assistance Program | Kindful