Win $5K through the Comics Are LIT! Scholarship Contest

Stories are the foundation of who we are. Whether they were read at bedtime, retold at family gatherings, or discovered on the shelves of a school library, they build our character, inspire our dreams, and in some cases, become our lifelong work. That's the true story of Hannaha Hall, a comic-book fan turned accomplished television and film actress. Born and raised in Chicago, Hall has been a part of The Chi, Showtime's hit series and television's longest-running Black drama series. She also just wrapped work on an action film with director, Wes Miller. Hall has been passionate about storytelling since she was young, and she credits comic books in particular for shaping her journey to acting. She told Fastweb, "Comic books have been a source of inspiration for me, even my love for martial arts came from comics. Seeing the movement, power, and posture on the page made me want to do that in real life." As an actress, she's able to combine her love for storytelling with her personal experience of reading and engaging with the world of comic art. Of her most recent project, she shares, "[Filming the action movie with Wes Miller] felt like a full-circle moment, being able to perform martial arts and work with weapons, which was something inspired by comic books. All of this was once purely imaginative, and turning it into a real career as a performer and creator is something I'm beyond proud of. I don't take it lightly." Now, Hall wants to turn her storytelling into a promise for the next generation, and she's making that a reality through the Comics are LIT! Scholarship Contest, which students can apply for now.

Comics are LIT! Scholarship Contest

Deadline: 5/20/26 Award Amount: Up to $5,000 Available To: High School Seniors, College Freshmen, and GED Students The "Comics Are LIT!" Scholarship Contest is open to high school seniors, college freshmen, and GED students. To enter, you must read the book The Man Who Died Seven Times by Yasuhiko Nishizawa and create 10 - page comic book spin-off based on one of three select characters. An artist statement of up to 500 - words is also required.

An Interview with Hannaha Hall, Comics are LIT! Scholarship Creator

Learning the who, what, how, and why behind a scholarship can oftentimes put applicants at an advantage. In addition to learning more about the creator, these details can also provide a glimpse of what – or who – the scholarship is looking to recognize. Fastweb recently interviewed Hannaha Hall, the creator of the Comics are LIT! Scholarship Contest. Her answers may just be the key to developing a winning scholarship application:

What made you start the "Comics are LIT" Scholarship?

The Comics Are LIT Scholarship is our debut scholarship. While our mission is rooted in stories and creativity, this scholarship is also very personal for me. It was about creating space and opportunities that I didn't always have growing up. I wanted this scholarship to be something that my friends and I would've been excited to apply for. There are plenty of scholarships out there, but this one is creative, meaningful, and culturally relevant. It's a high-value scholarship that requires real effort, but it isn't just financial support; it's an experience and an invitation for students to see themselves as creators.

What are you looking for in applications?

We're looking for authenticity, imagination, and overall creative effort. We want students to feel free to express themselves and see how they translate their ideas. Perfection isn't the goal; all skill levels are welcome! It's okay if the writing is stronger than the artwork, or vice versa.

Do you have a committee that reviews applications? Tell us about that process.

Applications are first reviewed by the Spase626 team. From there, submissions are narrowed down and then scored by a group of guest judges. The judges come from diverse backgrounds, including education, the creative industry, and other professional artistic fields.

What do you hope that the process of applying reveals to applicants?

I hope this experience reveals something personal for applicants. If someone walks away realizing they were born to be a writer, we love it! If they walk away with new confidence, a fresh perspective, or even a new hobby, that's the real reward.

Why was it important to you to develop a scholarship program that helps students pay for school?

I understand firsthand what it's like to navigate education without financial support. I was often scrambling for grants and scholarships, many of which felt boring or tedious. I wanted to create something that doesn't just support students financially but is also aligned with something I believe to be impactful, something students would find interesting and worth their time.

How have the creative arts changed your life and career path?

I'd like to say it's the foundation of my life and career. Creativity has been incredibly therapeutic for me. It grounds me, brings me peace, and honestly keeps me entertained at times, which we don't talk about enough. There's a story in everything I create and revisiting it later is surprisingly fulfilling. Professionally, creativity keeps me adaptable and growing. Working in a creative industry means you have to stay innovative and evolve with change. All the small hobbies I've carried over the years continue to propel my career and keep me fluid.

Why do you think it's so important for students to have the space and outlet to be creative?

Creative interaction improves comprehension and retention; I say that from both personal experience and research. Creative careers also continue to expand, but beyond income, creativity shows up in everyday life. It builds confidence, supports emotional expression – the list is long.

Why is the value of authentic creation more important now than ever? And how can students actively embrace their own creativity?

Authentic creation is extremely valuable now more than ever because we live in a world optimized by technology, algorithms, and AI. Embracing your own creativity starts with curiosity: asking questions, experimenting, and doing things without fear of being imperfect. Doing simple daily habits, like writing or journaling, sketching, designing, or singing. Don't compete with technology but use it responsibly while embracing what makes you unique.

More Creative Scholarships

If you're like Hall and have found most scholarship and grant applications to be tedious and boring, you're in luck. There are actually hundreds of creative scholarships that allow you to express yourself as you search for ways to pay for college. You can find many of these creative scholarships on Fastweb. Be sure to create a free profile on Fastweb, and we'll match you to scholarships with creative applications that you qualify for, like the awards below: • We the Future Contest • Easterday Poetry Award • Illustrators of the Future Contest • Create-a-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest • One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest • The Paradigm Challenge