Scholarship

Sideline Pass’ scholarship programs are designed to encourage and support outstanding students who work hard and have financial need. Our scholarships provide financial assistance and academic support to high school & undergraduate Female students IN Louisiana. In addition to the monetary award, students join a thriving network of Mentors.

The Gayle Benson Service Scholarship

The Gayle Benson Service Scholarship honors Mrs. Gayle Benson, the owner of the New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans. Mrs. Benson is a dedicated philanthropist whose generosity has touched nearly every corner of New Orleans. Through the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, she has supported initiatives in education, healthcare, arts and culture, youth development, and Catholic ministries. Mrs. Benson’s philanthropic legacy reflects her deep belief in service, compassion, and building a stronger New Orleans for generations to come.

This year, the scholarship will be awarded to a qualified young woman in the New Orleans area who demonstrates a true passion for service and a commitment to making a difference in her school and community. The scholarship provides the recipient with an opportunity to further her philanthropic interests by funding her own service initiative, supporting a local charity, or advancing a community-based project.

$3000

The Nancy Parker Media & Communications Scholarship

Sideline Pass is proud to announce the Nancy Parker Media & Communications Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of the late Nancy Parker, a celebrated journalist, author, and community advocate.

Nancy Parker was an Emmy Award-winning journalist in New Orleans, serving as a trusted news anchor at WVUE Fox 8 for over two decades. She was known for her storytelling, professionalism, and deep love for Louisiana and the New Orleans community. Beyond her work in media, Nancy was an author, advocate, and devoted mother and wife. Nancy’s legacy continues to serve as a model of excellence, integrity, and service.

This scholarship is awarded to a qualified young woman in the New Orleans area who plans to pursue a career in media, journalism, and communications.

$3000

The Pigéon Family Hospitality Scholarship

Sideline Pass is pleased to offer the The Pigéon Family Hospitality Scholarship to a high school senior.

The Pigéon Family has been part of New Orleans’ hospitality community since 1997. Founded on a passion for food, service, and bringing people together, Pigéon Catering & Events has grown into a well-known family-owned business serving the New Orleans community and beyond. The family has also generously supported Sideline Pass, helping us create meaningful experiences and opportunities for young women in our community.

We are proud to honor their continued commitment to hospitality, service, and giving back through the Pigéon Family Hospitality Scholarship. This year, the scholarship will be awarded to a qualified high school senior in the New Orleans area who demonstrates a genuine passion for and interest in the hospitality industry.

$1000

Completed applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by
November 12, 2026 to scholarship@sidelinepass.org (Scan and email)

If files are too large to email, please use a secure file-sharing service such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer.

Scholarship funds will be paid directly to the educational institution or approved service provider on behalf of the recipient. Funds will not be distributed directly to the recipient in cash.

A Word From Our Past Scholarship Recipient

Every success story starts with someone believing in your potential before you fully see it yourself. From the very beginning, Sideline Pass has been driven by a dedicated mission: to support local young women and provide the vital resources needed to turn their bold career visions into reality. Founded on the belief that community support can change a young person’s trajectory, the Sideline Pass program was inspired by a personal journey of overcoming hurdles, leaning into mentorship, and embracing every opportunity to serve and lead.

My own journey taught me that obstacles are simply stepping stones when you have the right village behind you. That resilience is the heartbeat of this organization. The Sideline Pass organization created this program not just to hand out financial aid, but to wrap arms around ambitious young female leaders, letting them know that their dreams
matter.

Over the past years, this scholarship has grown far beyond financial assistance; it has become a catalyst for impressive transformation. Past recipients have used this support
to bridge critical gaps in tuition, secure essential professional training, and step confidently into higher education and specialized industry programs across the New Orleans area. When you invest in a Sideline Pass scholar, you aren't just paying for education; you are championing the brilliance, grit, and unstoppable future of women in New Orleans.