01 / The Foundation Scholarship Program

Scholarships

We remove financial barriers to education and give the next generation of leaders mentorship, leadership training, and real opportunities to make an impact.

Unlike traditional scholarships that only provide money, The Foundation brings recipients into a supportive network of sponsors, mentors, and community partners, where they gain practical skills, career exposure, and opportunities to serve their communities.

Our objectives

  1. 01

    Expand access to education

    Remove financial and social barriers for students from underserved or underrepresented backgrounds.

  2. 02

    Develop leadership skills

    Train scholars in decision-making, communication, teamwork, and civic engagement.

  3. 03

    Foster social impact

    Encourage students to design and lead projects that address real community needs.

  4. 04

    Build sustainable partnerships

    Connect sponsors, universities, businesses, and mentors in support of student success.

  5. 05

    Create a leadership pipeline

    Build a network of scholars who will become future professionals, civic leaders, and Foundation ambassadors.

02 / Apply

Leadership Excellence Scholarship

For outstanding students who have shown exceptional leadership in their school, community, or personal endeavors, and who have made a positive impact through initiative, vision, and the ability to inspire others.

Award
$1,000 or moreBased on your leadership impact and available funds.
Cost to apply
FreeThere is no application fee. Applying online takes about 10 minutes.
Review
Every quarterSubmitted applications are evaluated every quarter of the year.
Paid to
Your schoolWhenever practical, funds go directly to your school for tuition, fees, books, and supplies.

Who can apply

  • Be between 14 and 24 years old when you apply.
  • Be a US citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise legally eligible to attend school in the United States.
  • Be a high school junior or senior, or a current or incoming student at a college, university, trade school, or vocational program.
  • Show a consistent record of leadership in extracurricular activities, community service, or other initiatives.
  • Hold a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

How applications are evaluated

  • The clarity and impact of your leadership experience
  • Originality and reflection in your answers
  • Academic performance
  • What your references say about you
  • Your overall commitment to making a difference

How to apply

Apply online for free in about 10 minutes. You'll tell us about up to three times you led something and name one person who can confirm it. Finalists may be asked for an academic transcript, a résumé or activity sheet, letters of recommendation, and a copy of a driver's license or state ID.

Start your application
03 / What scholars receive

The Foundation School of Leaders

Every Foundation scholar receives support for their education and joins the School of Leaders, where the scholarship becomes real experience, real connections, and real opportunities.

01

Leadership workshops

Build skills in decision-making, problem-solving, critical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork.

02

Networking

Meet entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals, and start building connections that will support your career.

03

Community involvement

Take part in The Foundation's social projects and lead your own, putting your leadership skills to work in the real world.

04

Career opportunities

Internships, job shadowing, and industry exposure that prepare you for professional challenges after graduation.

05

Recognition

Your achievements are celebrated at The Foundation's Annual Gala and shared across our platforms.

04 / Selection

How recipients are chosen

Every scholarship is awarded under a selection policy adopted by our Board of Directors, so the process is fair, impartial, and the same for every applicant.

  1. 01

    Independent review

    A selection committee of at least three people, appointed by our Board, reviews every eligible application. Members disclose any conflict of interest and step aside from applications they are connected to.

  2. 02

    Standardized scoring

    Each application is scored with the same rubric, based only on the published criteria for that scholarship. Finalists may be interviewed.

  3. 03

    Board approval

    The committee recommends recipients to the Board of Directors, which confirms that every award meets Foundation policy and IRS requirements.

  4. 04

    Notification

    Recipients are notified in writing and may be asked to verify their enrollment before funds are released.

The Foundation US administers all scholarship programs without unlawful discrimination. Committee members do not consider race, religion, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or personal relationships.

05 / Partner with us

Build your own scholarship

Building your own scholarship with The Foundation is a meaningful way to leave a legacy and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Your scholarship can reflect your values and support students in the areas that matter most to you, with recognition at Foundation events and across our platforms. You can connect with students directly and guide them as they grow into leaders. Start with a single scholarship and expand over time.

What it involves

  1. 01

    Define the eligibility criteria, such as age range, GPA, background, or field of study.

  2. 02

    Set the award amount. We recommend at least $1,000.

  3. 03

    Decide whether it will be a one-time or renewable award.

  4. 04

    Choose any focus areas, such as first-generation students, STEM, the arts, or civic leadership.

  5. 05

    Commit to supporting students with mentorship or networking, not only funding.

  6. 06

    Partner with The Foundation for promotion, administration, and recognition.

Named scholarships follow your written criteria and are awarded through the same independent selection committee and Board approval as every Foundation scholarship.

Tell us about your scholarship

Share a few details and we'll get back to you within 48 hours. Nothing here is a commitment.