Shawn Carter Scholarship

The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education. By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in, and graduating from college, the SCSF plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved youth and young adults. The SCSF provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living. All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to “give back” by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars.

WHO ARE SCF SCHOLARS?

Our National Scholarship Fund attracts candidates from all backgrounds and each has a compelling desire to pursue higher education, in spite of many personal, and socio-economic setbacks, including teen pregnancy, former incarceration, interrupted schooling, poverty, and homelessness. They are hardworking, resilient and determined individuals who want to make positive contributions to their local and global communities, and they turn to SCF to help make their ambitions and dreams possible.

A recent snapshot of our Scholars:

• 71% are raised in single-parent households.
• 70% of scholarship recipients are first-generation college students.
• 60% of our scholars represent household incomes less than or equal to $40,000.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE SHAWN CARTER SCHOLARSHIP?

All high school seniors, students with GED diplomas, undergraduate (2yr or 4yr) college students, and students at vocational or trade schools who meet the requirements below are eligible.

Requirements:

• US Citizen or Permanent Resident
• 25 years old or younger
• Minimum 2.0 GPA  First-time scholarship recipients generally have GPAs between 2.0 and 3.0 (students with GPAs above this range are still encouraged to apply)
• Demonstrated Financial Need  On average, selected applicants have an annual household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less
• Students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at an accredited, degree-granting institution