Beacon Of Hope Award.
Celebrating young people who turn their own challenges into hope for others.
The Power Of Paying It Forward.
The Beacon of Hope Award recognizes a young person whose journey reflects the heart of the Ryan Bartel Foundation’s mission: finding connection, building resilience, and helping others do the same.
This annual $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a participant in one or more Ryan Bartel Foundation programs who has demonstrated meaningful growth in their mental wellbeing, discovered strength within themselves, and chosen to give back by supporting other young people.
Unlike traditional scholarships, the Beacon of Hope Award celebrates personal growth, perseverance, and service. It honors a young person who has transformed their own experiences into a source of encouragement and hope for others.
The recipient is selected each year by the Ryan Bartel Foundation team and announced at our annual Notes of Hope Gala.
From Supported To Supporter.
The Beacon of Hope Award recognizes a young person who has embraced their own journey and chosen to help others along theirs.
Recipients demonstrate:
- Personal growth and improved mental wellbeing over time
- A commitment to building healthy connections and resilience
- A desire to support peers through shared understanding and experience
- Ongoing service as a FORT Ambassador, peer mentor, or volunteer
- A passion for creating connection, belonging, and hope for others
Award Eligibility.
Eligible Candidates:
Candidates do not apply for this award. Recipients are identified and selected annually by the Ryan Bartel Foundation team based on their participation, growth, leadership, and commitment to supporting others.
- Have participated in a Ryan Bartel Foundation program
- Demonstrate meaningful personal growth and resilience
- Actively volunteer as a FORT Ambassador, peer mentor, or in another youth-support role with the Foundation
- Embody the Foundation’s values of connection, belonging, compassion, and service
Why It Matters.
Every day, young people in our programs discover that they are stronger than they realize. Some go on to become mentors, leaders, and role models for others facing similar challenges.
The Beacon of Hope Award celebrates these remarkable young people and the ripple effect they create when they choose to turn their experiences into encouragement, connection, and hope for others.
