Key Dates
Application Opens: January 20, 2026
Deadline: March 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM
Interviews: April 2026
Hope CommUnity Center offers scholarships for students applying to or studying in post-secondary institutions. This includes technical colleges, 2-year colleges and 4-year universities. Scholarships must be used for tuition, books, school fees or transportation.
Eligibility:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- High school graduates and post-secondary students affiliated with Hope CommUnity Center (HCC)
- Demonstrated financial need
- 40 credit hours of community service completed by the application deadline
- First-time applicants: all 40 hours must be completed at Hope CommUnity Center
- Returning applicants: at least 60% of hours at HCC, up to 40% at partner organizations
- Hours used in prior applications cannot be reused
- Note: Students who have not completed 40 hours must contact our Volunteer Coordinator Kundai Chakona ([email protected]) to confirm the possibility of completing hours before the deadline.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following in PDF format only:
- Completed application form
- Current transcript (college/technical school, including fall grades if enrolled)
- If not yet enrolled: final high school transcript and proof of college application/admission
- Two letters of recommendation:
*One from a professor, advisor, or teacher
*One from a Hope CommUnity Center program director/manager
- Financial documentation (choose one):
*Copy of 2026–27 FAFSA Submission Summary (preferred)
*Copy of 2025 income tax return (parents and/or student)
*Copy of most recent W‑2 form (parents and/or student)
- Current résumé (community service, sports, music, employment, internships, academics, extracurriculars)
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Essay response to one of the following prompts:
New applicants:
- Looking ahead to the next 5 years, what personal values and experiences will guide you as you work toward your academic and career goals? Reflect on how this scholarship will help you achieve those goals.
- Describe a time when you overcame a significant challenge. How did this experience shape your outlook on life, your academic journey, and your future aspirations?
- Reflect on someone who has inspired you to serve your community. How have their actions shaped your own sense of responsibility and commitment to giving back?
Returning Applicants:
- Reflect on how you have grown academically, personally, or in community involvement since your last application. What lessons have shaped your current goals?
- Describe how your involvement with Hope CommUnity Center has influenced your educational journey. How has it changed your perspective on service, leadership, or advocacy?
- Imagine yourself as a mentor to future Hope Rising Scholars. What advice would you give them, and how do you plan to embody that guidance in your own journey?
Essay Guidelines: Essays should be clearly written, self-reflective, and meaningful. Word count is not enforced, but depth and clarity are expected.
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Short-answer response to one of the following prompts:
New applicants:
- What does “building community” mean to you, and how have you contributed to creating a sense of belonging at Hope or in your broader community?
- What life skills have you developed through your community involvement, and how do you plan to apply them in your academic or career journey?
- Short-answer Guidelines: Responses should be about half a page, clearly written, and show impact of service.
Returning Students:
- How has your community service evolved since your last application, and what new skills have you gained?
- Describe a time you worked with others at Hope or in your community to achieve a shared goal.
Scholarship Recipient Responsibilities
Academic & Meeting Requirements
- Attend the Scholarship Ceremony (May 2026)
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA
- Participate in mandatory scholar meetings and retreat:
*Hope Rising Retreat: August 2026 (date TBD)
*Required meetings: September 2026 & January 2027 (dates TBD)
- Attend at least two Hope CommUniversity Trainings (dates TBD)
- Complete 40 volunteer hours during the scholarship period (to qualify for 2027-28 year)
Administrative Requirements
- Submit proof of class registration each semester (applies to all recipients)
- Scholarship funds must be used within two years of award date; unused funds expire after this period
- Attend a one-on-one advisory meeting with the Youth Empowerment and Education Team once per year
Hey there! Just a heads-up – if you submit this application, you’re agreeing to stick to what’s listed above. If you don’t follow these expectations, you might not be able to apply for the Hope Scholarship again for the 2026-2027 school year.
Please make sure you meet all the requirements and have all the documentation and attachments necessary before filling out the form. You will not be able to edit or attach any missing information after you’ve submitted your application. Incomplete application submissions will not be considered.