Who is this scholarship for?

BIPOC interpreters who are not yet nationally certified. Applicants must have taken and passed the NIC Knowledge and Ethics exam.

The fee for the NIC Performance Exam, plus virtual mentoring sessions with The SOS Agency, the kind of guidance that compounds.

When are applications open?

Applications open June 1, 2026 and close July 30, 2026. The recipient is announced shortly after the review window closes.

An application plus two unrehearsed video samples, one ASL to English, one English to ASL. Submit everything through the application form below.

The Makeba Orr Smith Scholarship

Some of the reason we do this has a name.

A scholarship that mentors and funds BIPOC interpreters on their way to national certification, and widens the door behind us, one interpreter at a time.

In her memory

Makeba Orr Smith.

Makeba was a nationally certified interpreter, a speech pathologist, and a child of a Deaf adult (CODA), and everyone in the field loved her bubbly spirit. She was passionate about wanting more for minority interpreters reaching national certification, and just as driven to keep sharpening her own craft.

To honor her legacy, The SOS Agency created a scholarship in her name.

The details

Exam funding + virtual mentoring.

Applications for the 2026 cycle open June 1, 2026 and close July 30, 2026.

Who is this scholarship for?: BIPOC interpreters who are not yet nationally certified. Applicants must have taken and passed the NIC Knowledge and Ethics exam.
What does it cover?: The fee for the NIC Performance Exam, plus virtual mentoring sessions with The SOS Agency, the kind of guidance that compounds.
When are applications open?: Applications open June 1, 2026 and close July 30, 2026. The recipient is announced shortly after the review window closes.
What do I submit?: An application plus two unrehearsed video samples, one ASL to English, one English to ASL. Submit everything through the application form below.

Start your application

This is "Lift as you climb," made real.

Past recipients

Recognizing the interpreters carrying the work forward.

2024

Dana Thompson
2022

Monique Johnson
2021

Dreu Davis

First recipient, passed national exam

Working toward your national certification?

If you're a BIPOC interpreter pursuing the NIC, we'd like to support you. Email your application below.

Apply for the scholarship Refer an interpreter

Apply

Submit your application.

Tell us a little about yourself and link to the two unrehearsed video samples (one ASL to English, one English to ASL). Upload them to a Google Drive, Dropbox, or WeTransfer folder set to "anyone with the link can view," and paste the link below.

Refer an interpreter

Know someone who should apply?

If you'd like to recommend a BIPOC interpreter for the Makeba Orr Smith Scholarship, share their info and we'll reach out.