RUFS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHI PROGRAM

 The Rising Up From Silence Inc. is awarding a $2,000 RUFS Foundation Scholarship. This academic-based scholarship will go to deserving students who are pursuing higher education at an accredited college/university, undergraduate school, or trade school. The award can go toward tuition, books, or other education expenses.

On average, nearly 20 adults per minute are physically or sexually abused. This equates to approximately 10 million men and women per year. In St. Lucie County alone there has been a 30% increase in domestic violence and sexual assault incidents. Experiencing abuse during childhood can increase the chances of becoming abused as an adult. If the cycle of abuse is not broken, it can continue from generation to generation.

Victims of abuse often stay silent due to many factors..fear, dependency, lack of self-esteem, hope, fear of homelessness, and lack of income are just a few of the reasons that victims remain silent. Whatever the reason, these individuals often lack the knowledge and support to find their voice and escape their dangerous situation.

Our mission is to empower individuals who have endured life-altering abuses stemming from domestic violence and sexual assault, fostering hope and illuminating the path to a brighter future for victims and survivors alike. As a faith-based organization, we are steadfast in our dedication to the holistic well-being and recovery of all those affected by abuse. Through our comprehensive transitional housing program, complemented by tailored support services including counseling, therapy, educational aid, financial assistance, healthcare, and childcare, we strive to provide a nurturing environment where survivors can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives.

The RUFS Scholarship is open to any senior high student attending school in St. Lucie County who can meet the following criteria:

• A 3.5 GPA or higher (an unofficial transcript must accompany the scholarship application)

• Attend school in St Lucie County, Florida

• Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, or volunteer coordinator/counselor

• Write an original 500-1,500 word essay on the scholarship topic (see below)

• Apply for the scholarship using the form on this page

• Agree to the scholarship's terms and conditions below

 The RUFS Scholarship is open to any senior students attending school in St. Lucie  County, Florida. We invite students from all areas of study to apply for the award. Interested students must use the form on this page to apply. Before applying, please review the eligibility requirements carefully and then craft an essay on the scholarship topic provided below.

Scholarship Essay Topic

Many domestic violence and sexual assault victims endure injury, pain, and suffering well beyond the physical effects of the abuse. Even though some will never speak about what they survived, they live with profound emotional wounds that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. A domestic violence and sexual assault transitional housing program with wrap-around services such as counseling, therapy, financial assistance, educational assistance, health services, and childcare, can help victims to heal, live an independent life, and move on from their trauma. 

In a 500-1,500 word original essay, please share with us why awareness and transitional housing is specifically important to you. You can address the following questions in your essay:

• What do you think can be done to bring more awareness in order to reduce or eliminate the risks of enduring domestic violence and sexual assault? 

• What can institutions that, in many instances, employ perpetrators do better? 

• What can society do as a whole to eliminate these horrible crimes? 

• What do you think are the benefits of transitional housing and wrap-around programs for victims and survivors?

These questions are meant as guiding prompts, but please feel free to go beyond these points in your essay. We are looking forward to reading your insights on this topic.

• Fill out the application form on this page. 

• Upload a copy of your scholarship essay.

• Submit an unofficial transcript to verify GPA and School Attendance.

• Submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, volunteer coordinator, or counselor.

• The deadline to apply for the RUFS Scholarship is June 1, 2024.

• Please note that all applications received after the deadline will not be considered. 

• After the deadline, the RUFS Foundation scholarship committee will review all submissions that it received before the June 1, 2024, deadline. Depending on the number of applications we receive, the decision process can take from one to three months. The top three finalists will be announced on September 1, 2024, and must be in attendance at our Elegant Affair Gala on December 21, 2024, to receive their award.

• For legal reasons, the RUFS Foundation cannot accept phone calls, emails, or other communications about the scholarship. We also cannot answer any questions other than those submitted on this page. All the essential details of the RUFS Foundation Scholarship can be found above. We will contact you in case we need more information from you.

   Previous Winners

2024 is the first year we are offering our Annual RUFS Scholarship, but future winners (maybe even you!) will be listed here. All winners may be subject to an interview for an announcement, social media post, press release, marketing, and promotions.

 Rising Up From Silence, Inc. is a Port Saint Lucie, FL-based 501-© (3) non-profit organization that exists to protect and serve victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and create a positive and safe living environment where they are able to reach their potential in life.

RUFS was founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife team, Cheryl, and Terry Hughey. Cheryl was a victim of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse for many years. She suffered in silence until she was able to find her inner strength and break free.

Today, Cheryl is in a healthy and supportive marriage. She has become successful in all aspects of her life and has become dedicated to helping those who are being kept silent by their abusers.

After establishing their mission and vision, the Hugheys sought out support from their community to develop an experienced and passionate Board of Directors.

The RUFS Foundation engages with clients by evaluating circumstances and providing written plans that consist of goals, expectations, achievements, challenges, and results. RUFS focuses on the essentials of victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault living independently ie support group participation, financial workshops, healthcare consultations, physical checkups, and Educational and job skills training.

Terms and Conditions

The $2,000 academic scholarship is open to students pursuing any area of study at an accredited college/university, undergraduate school,  or trade school, upon graduating from a Saint Lucie County school. 

RUFS Scholarship: Here Are the Terms and Conditions

Everyone applying for this academic-based scholarship must meet the eligibility requirements as laid out on the scholarship application page, including the following:

• Applicants must be a senior high school student.

• Applicants must live in and attend school in  St Lucie County, Florida.

• Applicants must be in good academic standing.

• Applicants must submit some personal information, including name, and contact information.

• Applicant must submit an unofficial transcript to verify GPA and attendance.

• Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, employer, volunteer coordinator, or counselor.

• Applicants must write an original 500-1,500 word essay on the scholarship essay topic provided. 

• Applicants MUST be present to receive the award on the day of the event, December 21, 2024, at the Vista Gardens Ballroom.