Gene Henson Scholarship

Our mission is to provide ongoing training and continuing education for our members, and to support education in our community. The AALA Gene Henson Scholarship, a 501(c)(3) organization, sponsors a $5,000 Scholarship to be awarded to an outstanding senior enrolled in one of our local high schools who is interested in attending one of Georgia's accredited higher learning institutions. Seniors attending public or not for profit high schools are eligible to participate. Members of the Gene Henson Committee review scholarship submissions from students, interview candidates and select the scholarship recipient.

How it Began

The Gene Henson Scholarship Foundation was formed in 2004 in response to the chapter’s desire to provide secondary educational opportunities to well-deserving students in metro Atlanta. The foundation is named after the AALA’s founding member, Gene Henson. The first scholarship was awarded to Andrei Ionescu in 2005.

2026 Gene Henson Scholarship Information

STUDENTS do not need to be nominated by an advisor/counselor to apply for this scholarship!

Gene Henson 2026 Scholarship Application

• High School Transcript
• SAT/ACT Official Score Notification
• Letter of Recommendation
• Essay (approx. 750 words) - see below for topics
• Financial Data Form
• Letter of Acceptance from a Georgia-accredited higher learning institution
• Guidance Counselor Verification Form including confirmation of GPA, Class Rank & SAT/ACT Score*

SAT/ACT scores and guidance counselor verification form are not required for application consideration.

You may use one of the following essay prompts or share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?