Georgia Higher Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Higher Foundation

Introduction
The Higher Foundation Scholarship is a merit-driven award designed to help college students in Georgia meet essential living needs. Each recipient receives $2,000 for the awarded academic year, disbursed as $1,000 for the Fall semester and $1,000 for the Spring semester. Award decisions emphasize academic performance, career preparation, and servant leadership. Applications are accepted annually from May 1 through August 1. Applicants will be notified of their application status by September 1.

Scholarship Priorities
- Basic needs support: Assistance targets students’ cost-of-living expenses to reduce basic needs insecurity.
- Academic achievement: Applicants who demonstrate a solid GPA and a commitment to personal and academic development are prioritized.
- Leadership: Preference is given to students who take on leadership roles on campus or within their communities.
- Community service: Candidates who have made community service a significant part of their lives are favored.
- Career readiness: Students actively preparing for post-graduation employment through internships, co-ops, or research are considered strongly.
- Passion for field: Demonstrated dedication to one’s chosen academic or career path is a valued factor.

Eligibility
To be eligible for The Higher Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be enrolled at a Georgia-accredited institution pursuing a Certification, Diploma, or Degree (Associate through Doctorate). Note: high school students in dual-enrollment programs are not eligible.
- Be registered for both the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA during the awarded academic year.
- Have volunteered with a service organization for at least one year.

Required Application Materials
Submit the following items with your application:
- Official transcript from your Georgia college or university.
- A one-page essay.
- A one-page resume.
- A Verification of Service letter from the organization where you volunteered.
- A professional headshot with a simple backdrop (plain wall, white background, or an outdoor setting). Blurry photos, AI-generated images, and selfies will not be accepted.

Award Details and Disbursement
- Total award: $2,000.00.
- Disbursement: Two payments of $1,000.00—one for the Fall semester and one for the Spring semester of the awarded academic year.
- Payment method: Awards are issued directly to recipients via PayPal.

Application Timeline
- Open application period: May 1 through August 1 each academic year.
- Applicants will receive an update regarding their application by September 1.

Selection Process
By September 1, up to 10 top applicants are chosen to advance in the selection process. Candidates are evaluated through a merit-based scoring system reflecting the scholarship priorities and eligibility requirements. Applicants not selected among the top candidates are encouraged to apply for need-based assistance through The Higher Foundation Grant and may reapply to this scholarship after strengthening their application.