Scholarship Purpose
Since 1991, to support students at the University of Oregon, the Jewel Hairston Bell Award has honored an outstanding CMAE student whose active engagement and participation on campus has enriched the environment at the University of Oregon. Preference will be given to applicants who have demonstrated commitment to advancing the impact and perspectives of historically marginalized communities. This award is open to all applicants, regardless of identity, background, or beliefs, including students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Each applicant will be evaluated individually and consistent with relevant award criteria.
Award Amount
Dependent on the number of applicants, awards can vary from $2,000 - $4,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Senior standing at the University of Oregon in the Fall of 2026.
- Interested in contributing significantly to the improvement of campus as demonstrated by campus engagement, community service, and/or personal career goals.
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher by time of application.
- Dreamers are eligible.
How to Apply
Once the scholarship application is open, click the link below to apply. To be eligible for review, your application must be fully completed.
Opens: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2026
Jewel Bell Scholarship Application Form
Honoring Jewel Hairston Bell
Mrs. Jewel Hairston Bell was born in Pittsburg Pennsylvania in 1931. She earned a B.S. degree with honors from Carnegie Institute of Technology. She was a social worker and education specialist with the Bureau of Equal Opportunity of the Massachusetts Department of Education from 1977 to 1980. Afterwards, Jewel and her husband, Derrick Bell, moved to Oregon. Derrick Bell was the Dean of the University of Oregon School of Law, while Jewel served as the Director of the Council of Minority Education (CME) from 1983 to 1986. The CME was the precursor to the current Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence (CMAE) at the UO.
Always active in community affairs, while in Eugene, Jewel served on the Board of Sponsors, the Eugene Symphony Orchestra, and the campus Interfaith Ministry. Jewel taught by example and by how she lived her life. Jewel passed away on August 4, 1990, in Cambridge Massachusetts and left a lasting presence on our UO campus. We are honored to continue her legacy through this award.