Sources of Strength Scholarship

Celebrating Resilience: The Sources of Strength Peer Leader Scholarship

The Sources of Strength Peer Leader Scholarship honors students who have gone above and beyond to promote resilience, connection, and well-being within their schools. These student leaders embody the heart of the Sources of Strength program—fostering hope, help, and strength among their peers—and serve as role models for building healthier, more connected school communities.

Proceeds from our Miles for Mental Health Virtual 5k provides scholarship awards each worth $1,000 to three outstanding students across the Cobb County School District. Recipients will be graduating seniors who have dedicated themselves to the Sources of Strength Peer Leader program for at least two years and are ready to carry forward those lessons into their post-secondary education.

Who We Are:

Sources of Strength is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program focused on suicide prevention, mental health promotion, and building protective factors for students and adults. Rather than concentrating only on risks, Sources emphasizes resilience, connection, and belonging—empowering individuals with tools to seek help, support others, and build healthy coping strategies. Through peer leadership, training, and a strength-based approach, the program creates a culture of wellness that benefits entire school communities.

At its core, the Sources of Strength Scholarship reflects a shared belief: when we equip students with hope, help, and strength, we don’t just support them—we empower them to uplift others. This scholarship is not only an investment in education but also a celebration of student leaders who are shaping stronger, healthier communities for us all.

To learn more about this opportunity and to apply, click here

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Gerald Shelton Perseverance Award

By Kiara Garcia • March 11, 2026

Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship A Memorial Tribute Honoring the Life of Gerald Shelton Gerald Shelton was a man defined by kindness, quiet strength, and a deep belief in the power of education. Throughout his life, he treated others with generosity and respect, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. For ten years, Mr. Shelton faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease with remarkable perseverance. Even as the disease progressed, the love and dedication he inspired in his family remained constant. His journey became a powerful example of resilience, patience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Mr. Shelton believed that education opens doors and creates opportunities. He valued learning not only for the knowledge it provides, but for the confidence and determination it builds in young people as they shape their futures. A Legacy of Perseverance In honor of Gerald Shelton’s life and the perseverance he demonstrated during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease, the Cobb Schools Foundation is proud to establish the Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship . This scholarship reflects the values Mr. Shelton lived by — resilience, determination, and the belief that education can help students overcome obstacles and reach their goals. The Gerald Shelton Perseverance Scholarship will support students who demonstrate the courage to keep moving forward when life becomes difficult. It celebrates young people who show determination, strength of character, and commitment to continue pursuing their education despite challenges. Continuing His Legacy Through this scholarship, Gerald Shelton’s legacy will live on in the lives of students who embody the same perseverance he showed throughout his life. Each recipient will carry forward his spirit of resilience — proving that when challenges arise, perseverance can lead the way to opportunity and hope. We are deeply grateful to Joy Doss, President of the Cobb Schools Foundation, and her family for honoring her daddy's life in a way that will inspire and support students for generations to come.