Hadden Scholarships

Established in 1968, the Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship is awarded to exceptionally worthy high school seniors with demonstrated financial need, for up to four years of college undergraduate study. Hadden Scholars must be U.S. citizens matriculating at a four-year accredited college or university established in the United States.

In awarding Hadden Scholarships, Youth Foundation considers scholastic achievement, character, leadership, volunteerism, and financial need*. There is a minimum unweighted grade point average requirement, 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, to apply for a Hadden Scholarship. There is no minimum test score requirement, but past winners have had competitive scores.

Application Deadline

Applications for the 2025 scholarship cycle will be accepted from February 1  May 15, 2025. No applications, recommendations or any materials will be accepted after May 15, 2025. All dates and times are Eastern Standard Time.

Award Amounts

Scholarship amounts are subject to change; the current award amount is up to $10,000 per scholar, renewable for a maximum of four regular undergraduate school years. Subject to the rules of a student’s college or university, Hadden Scholarships may be applied toward a semester or year of study abroad.

Funding Guidelines

If an institution to reduces a student’s financial aid package by any amount as a result of the Hadden Scholarship, this is called award displacement and it is disallowed by Youth Foundation policies. A Hadden Scholarship supplements the grant from your institution; it must not displace other grants or aid. All finalists will be required to provide a copy of their financial aid award letter from their college or university, a list of all outside scholarships, and to verify with their school’s financial aid department that award displacement will not result if the applicant is selected for a Hadden Scholarship. If it is found that a school has lowered its grant to the student in violation of our policy, Youth Foundation must adjust the amount awarded or discontinue the scholarship.

Funds are sent directly to the college or university to be utilized solely for the benefit of the student. Subject to federal and state regulations, and the policies of individual institutions, Hadden Scholarships may be applied to tuition, room, board, books, or other fees. Some institutions allow outside scholarships to be used towards a laptop or health insurance premiums. It is up to each student to become thoroughly familiar with the policies and guidelines of their institution.

Renewability

Hadden Scholarships are renewable for up to four years. Scholars must be full-time students; maintain an annual, cumulative 3.0 GPA; provide a copy of their academic transcript and financial aid award letter annually, or as requested by Youth Foundation; keep their contact information up to date with the Youth Foundation office.