Georgia Higher Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Higher Foundation

Introduction
The Higher Foundation Scholarship is a merit-based award designed to help Georgia college students meet basic living needs while they pursue their education. Each scholarship totals $2,000, disbursed as two $1,000 payments—one for the Fall semester and one for the Spring semester of the academic year in which the award is received. Candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, career preparation, leadership, and community service. The application window is open annually from May 1 through August 1. Applicants will be notified of their application status by September 1. For questions, contact scholarships@higherfoundation.org.

Higher Foundation Scholarship Priorities
- Basic needs insecurity: We prioritize students who need assistance covering cost-of-living expenses.
- Academic success: We recognize students who maintain strong GPAs while focusing on development, service, and leadership.
- Leadership: We value demonstrated leadership on campus and within local communities.
- Service: We prioritize applicants with a commitment to community service.
- Career development: We reward students taking steps toward post-graduation readiness through internships, co-ops, or research.
- Passion: We look for clear dedication to their chosen fields and future careers.

Eligibility
To qualify for the Higher Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be enrolled at a Georgia-accredited institution pursuing a Certification, Diploma, or Degree (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate). High school students in dual-enrollment programs are not eligible.
- Be registered for both the Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year in which the scholarship would be applied.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and maintain at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA throughout the awarded academic year.
- Have completed at least one year of volunteer service with a recognized service organization.

Initial Application Requirements
Submit the following items with your application between May 1 and August 1:
- Official Georgia college transcript.
- One-page essay.
- One-page resume.
- Verification of Service letter confirming at least one year of volunteer service.
- A headshot photographed against a backdrop, a plain white wall, or an outdoor background. (Blurry images, AI-generated photos, and selfies will not be accepted.)

Award Details
- Total award: $2,000.00.
- Payment schedule: Two disbursements of $1,000.00 — one for the Fall semester and one for the Spring semester of the awarded academic year.
- Payment method: Awards are sent directly to recipients via PayPal. We do not send awards by cash, check, or any other payment method.

Selection Process
By September 1, we will identify up to 10 top applicants to advance to the next stage using a merit-based scoring system. Applicants not chosen among the top candidates are encouraged to apply for need-based assistance through The Higher Foundation Grant and may reapply for the scholarship after strengthening their applications.

Requirements for Top Applicants
If you are named among the top applicants, you must submit the following by September 15:
- The Give Higher Campaign video submission (follow the instructions provided to top applicants).
- Official proof of enrollment from your institution’s Office of the Registrar verifying current enrollment at a Georgia-accredited school for the semester.
- PayPal account details so we can process scholarship payments should you be selected as a recipient. (No other payment methods will be accepted.)

Timeline Summary
- Application open: May 1 – August 1 (each academic year)
- Notification of top applicants / application update: by September 1
- Additional materials due from top applicants: September 15

Questions
If you have questions or concerns, please email scholarships@higherfoundation.org.