The comics appreciation project
Dr Ben Tate Inspirational Scholarship
For the next generation of comic artists & writers.
Our scholarship deadline is
April 30th 2026
For assistance, please contact bentatescholarship@gmail.com
About the Scholarship
The Dr. Ben Tate Inspirational Scholarship is a memorial scholarship established in 2025 for aspiring high-school-age artists and/or writers. It carries with it the message, “I see you, and you will go on to do great things.” The $1,000 scholarship was established by one of Dr. Tate’s pupils and is administered by the Comics Appreciation Project Inc. (CAP).
The belief in the unique potential of every individual was the beautiful legacy of the late Dr. Benjamin Tate of Macon, GA. Sadly, Dr. Tate passed away in 2020 after dedicating his life to educating generations of Georgians. Known for his respect, curiosity, and compassion, he taught thousands of students in college, high schools, and even Georgia’s prisons. You can learn more at: Dr. Ben Tate Obituary Page
What do we need from you?
Below, you will find a link to a digital application form. To be considered for the scholarship, you will need to submit several materials, including an essay, comic art sample, accompanying script, verification of your samples by a sponsored teacher/Media Specialist/librarian, and the completed application form.
1. A completed application form (click here to access)
2. A short (500 word) essay expressing your interest in comics/graphic novels
3. Submit sample comic pages with corresponding script that reflects your style and creativity.
Application Details
Applicants must be high school students in grades 9–12 who reside in the state of Georgia or North Carolina (the two states in which our nonprofit is registered to operate).
Download the scholarship application form here.
- A short essay (500 words) expressing your interest in comics/graphic novels
Comics rely on the intentional relationship between words and images. For this reason, applicants are required to submit both artwork and corresponding comic script. In prior application cycles, the strongest submissions consistently demonstrated skill in both visual and written storytelling, and the application requirements have been updated to reflect this expectation.
Applicants must submit 3–6 pieces of original comic-related artwork along with a 3–6 page comic script written for those pages or panels. The script must begin with a brief story synopsis that frames the selected scene and provides context for the larger narrative and characters. The scripted scene should match the submitted artwork and demonstrate how text and visuals work together to tell the same moment in the story.
Artwork may include finished comic pages, sequential panels, or rough layouts and storyboards. Fully polished pages are not required, but the artwork should clearly reflect the scripted scene. Scripts do not need to follow industry standard formatting, but they should be clear and easy to follow, with panel descriptions, dialogue, and visual direction written for a collaborating artist. Check this site for samples of comic book scripts.
Applicants are encouraged to select a scene that highlights the strengths of the comics medium, such as pacing, visual emphasis, dialogue, or emotional impact. The scene does not need to be the opening of the story.
*AI-Assisted work is not permitted
Your original samples must be verified by a current sponsoring high school teacher/staff/librarian. You must provide their contact information in the corresponding field of the application form. We will contact the sponsors for all of our sponsors to verify that the work was original or AI-assisted.
Please combine all of your documents into one pdf and submit it to bentatescholarship@gmail.com
Comics Appreciation Project
PO Box 28
Bogart, GA 30622
"We are thrilled to make this scholarship a reality. No teacher ever poured more of themselves into me or left a deeper imprint on my heart than Dr. Tate. His wisdom, kindness, and unforgettable stories shaped who I am today. Through our youth-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we donate thousands of graphic novels each year to comfort children in medical crisis and foster care, while also promoting a joy of reading in Title I schools. Inspired by the power of storytelling, we felt compelled to create a scholarship that encourages young dreamers to embrace their own voices and share their stories with the world. We honor his legacy."
Previous Winner(s)
Interested in contributing?
Those interested in contributing directly to the sustainability of the Dr. Ben Tate Inspirational Scholarship Fund can make a tax-deductible donation through either of the following:
You can Donate online through our Zeffy page. For those not familiar with Zeffy, it is a free online donation platform exclusively for nonprofits and charities.
Alternatively, donors can mail a check payable to the “Dr. Ben Tate Inspirational Scholarship Fund” to the following:
Comics Appreciation Project
PO Box 28
Bogart, GA 30622