Scholarship
Building Brighter Futures
HOW MY JOURNEY INSPIRED A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WHO STUTTER
I am a basketball player, and I am a person who stutters.
For as long as I can remember, basketball has been a part of my life. I spent hours on the court, practicing, and chasing dreams. And for just as long, stuttering has been a part of my life. But when it came to my stutter, I spent hours feeling alone and even avoiding talking.
Growing up, the basketball court was my safe space. When I earned a basketball scholarship to the University of Kentucky, it was more than an achievement; it was a dream come true. But beneath the surface of my success, I still felt isolated.
My stutter followed me off the court and into my everyday life, holding me back from speaking freely and connecting with others. And at 17-years old while in college, for the very first time, I found myself experiencing another kind of practice: speech therapy.
It wasn’t easy. Like basketball, speech therapy required commitment, perseverance, and belief in myself. Over time, I built confidence as a communicator. Confidence to share my story. Confidence to connect with others. Confidence to be heard.
That college experience changed my life, and it’s why I created the Change & Impact Scholarship Program.
This scholarship is more than just financial assistance. It’s an opportunity to give a deserving high school student who stutters the chance to pursue their dreams. It’s an opportunity to also provide speech therapy so they can become confident communicators, fully engage in all that life has to offer and hopefully experience the kind of transformation I did.
This is deeply personal to me. And with your help, we can make it possible. Please consider supporting me and the Change & Impact Scholarship Program. 100% of your donation goes to the scholarship program. Together we will not only fund an education, but we will also change a life.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Founder & CEO, Change & Impact
ABOUT OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Change & Impact Scholarship Program is a celebration of partnership and opportunity. We work closely with regional school districts to identify exceptional students who can benefit from this life-changing program. We provide a full, four-year academic scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, books, and meal plans. Beyond financial support, our trusted college and university partners join us in offering speech therapy, tutoring, and internship placements to empower our Change & Impact Scholars to thrive academically and personally.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
High school senior
Stuttering diagnosis by healthcare provider
Recommendation letter from guidance counselor or teacher
Completion of all application requirements
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Change & Impact Scholarship Program documentation
College/University documentation
Personal statement essay
Student life and social background check
SCHOLAR RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintain established academic standards
Attend speech therapy and/or support group
Adhere to all college/university rules and regulations
Maintain high standard of personal conduct
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Change & Impact welcomes contributions of any amount, including recurring gifts on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis, one-time donations, or gifts of stocks or mutual funds. 100% of your donation is tax-deductible and goes directly to the Change & Impact Scholarship Program. Please support our mission and make a meaningful impact with us!