Symbolism is the use of a(n) to stand for a concept or a feeling

The correct technical answer is "symbol", that is usually an object that represents an idea. Such use of symbols may be found in literary works such as poems, narratives, short stories, novels, among others. An example of symbolism is the use of Christ's cross, that is the symbol, to stand for religion or religious beliefs.

scholarship is an sc because, by definition, a subject complement is the adjective, noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb, for example the verb be (in any of its forms).