Still We Rise Applications Open

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 9, 2021) — The University of Kentucky's Still We Rise program was founded in 2018 to celebrate the diversity of students at UK and honor undergraduate students who have persisted through obstacles and are on track to graduate. The program's name is an homage to Maya Angelou’s anthem "Still I Rise" from her book of poems "And Still I Rise." Still We Rise provides a forum for students to share their stories of overcoming challenges and recognizes students with awards and scholarship/stipend presentations.

Courtney Wheeler, UK student body president, shared her thoughts about Still We Rise and just how powerful it is for the UK community.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for our students to be able to receive a scholarship with so much impact and meaning behind it," Wheeler said. "In my opinion, one of the greatest parts of Still We Rise is hearing the stories that are shared during the event and understanding just how resilient our students are. I am also thrilled to be a part of something that was created by a student for other students.”

Still We Rise was created by UK student Kennedy Guess who shared the history of the event.

"Still We Rise was created to celebrate the strength and resiliency of students at the University of Kentucky. During my undergraduate time at the university, I struggled with mental health issues, as well as being sexually assaulted. Many people remain silent on these struggles. I began to be transparent about my journey, and the more I told my story, the more I learned about my peers' experiences. I learned everybody struggles in college, most people struggle in silence. The average age of onset for mental health disorders is between 20 and 25. That is prime college age. One in five women will be assaulted in their lifetime. There are numerous people who share some variation of the same story, or have other stories of overcoming obstacles. I realized my story could help others suffering in silence realize they are not alone. I wanted to help diminish the stigmas associated with mental health disorders and sexual assault. I wanted to acknowledge the strength and courage of my classmates, overcoming difficulties in their lives and succeeding. I wanted to spark a conversation that made people uncomfortable. Discomfort promotes change. So for the past three years, Still We Rise has been honoring students and promoting change."

Wheeler said she is thrilled that students are able to apply for the scholarship themselves this year. “This year students can fill out the form themselves, and it includes resources that help students with the application process. It’s also fantastic that any full-time student is able to apply.”

In 2020, Still We Rise awarded scholarships to 25 UK students. With the help of the Student Government Association and private donors, the committee plans to award 25 students again in 2021. Current UK students who experienced adversity or have overcome a significant challenge are encouraged to apply. Students who applied last year but did not receive the scholarship are welcome to apply again this year. The deadline for applications is Feb. 15. A virtual Still We Rise ceremony on April 15 will celebrate the resiliency of our UK students. 

Event sponsors include: UK Student Government Association, the Office for Student Success, the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center, the Martin Luther King Center, the Disability Resource Center, Campus Recreation and Wellness and the Human Development Institute, as well as additional support from private sponsors.

To apply, please visit: www.uky.edu/stillwerise. For questions, please contact: Ashley.hinton@uky.edu.