William L. Clay Scholarship

The William L. Clay Scholarship & Research Fund (WLCSRF) provides 4-year scholarships. WLCSRF’s goal is to help students eliminate the need for student loans by providing scholarships that bridge the gap between the cost of college and other financial aid received. WLCSRF was the vision of retired Congressman William L. “Bill” Clay, Sr. who was the first African American elected from Missouri to the U.S. House of Representatives. Bill Clay graduated from St. Louis University, class of 1953.

Eligibility Criteria

• High School Senior
• Live within the 1st Congressional District of Missouri and must maintain residency with the 1st Congressional District while the scholarship is being received. Visit house.gov to confirm your confessional district – enter your zip code online
• Eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
• Applicants are are at least 17 years 6 months of age must be registered voters
• Planning to enroll full time at a four year college or university

Applicants may be invited to interview with the scholarship review committee.

The amount of each award will be determined by the availability of Scholarship Funds for each given year

The WLCSRF Scholarship is renewable if a 3.0 grade point average is maintained and student is enrolled on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 credit hours)

All scholarship recipients are required to forward certified transcripts at the end of each semester before continuing eligibility can be determined

No scholarship award will be paid to any recipient’s school until continuing eligibility is determined

Supplemental Questions

1. Are you 17 years and 6 months of age or older?
2. If you answered yes to the above question, are you a registered voter?
3. Upload a picture, scan, or copy of your voter registration card.
4. Please upload your most recent OFFICIAL transcript.
5. If you have taken the ACT/SAT, upload your score report.
6. Upload your 2024-2025 FAFSA Submission Summary.
7. Parent/Guardian Name(s)
8. Parent/Guardian Address(es)
9. Parent/Guardian Email(s)
10. Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s)
11. Parent/Guardian(s) Employer and Occupation
12. Parent/Guardian Highest Level of Education
13. Parent Status
    • Mother
    • Father
14. College Application Status
    • College you hope to attend
    • Applied?
    • Accepted?
15. Honors/Awards/Talents
16. Elected positions and/or leadership in school or community organizations
17. Extracurricular Activities (Sports, Clubs, Community, or Religious activities)
18. Employment/Internship
19. Community Service
20. Autobiographical Statement: This section offers an opportunity for you to help us become acquainted with you. Tell us something about yourself, your interests and your career goals. Please write 300-500 words.
21. SCHOLARSHIP CENTRAL RECOMMENDATION: Enter the name and e-mail address of an instructor, counselor, advisor, supervisor or other similarly qualified individual who will submit a recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an email sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process.
22. SCHOLARSHIP CENTRAL SECOND RECOMMENDATION: Enter the name and e-mail address of an instructor, counselor, advisor, supervisor or other similarly qualified individual who will submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an email sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process.
23. SCHOLARSHIP CENTRAL THIRD RECOMMENDATION: Enter the name and e-mail address of an instructor, counselor, advisor, supervisor or other similarly qualified individual who will submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. NOTE: As the applicant, it is your responsibility to inform that person to watch for an email sent on your behalf that will explain how to complete this process.
24. How did you learn about the William L. Clay Scholarship & Research Fund scholarship?
25. APPLICANT SIGNATURE: By entering my full name below, I authorize the William L. Clay Scholarship and its agents to examine, verify and discuss my academic and/or financial records and other information which applies to the consideration of this application. I certify that all answers are accurate and truthful to the best of my knowledge, and that all information in the application and essays are my own work. I understand that the decisions made regarding my participation in this program are made by the William L. Clay Scholarship in reliance upon the truth and correctness of my statements.