One Extraordinary Young Woman. One Transformational Award.

In 2026, the Foundation will present one $25,000 scholarship award to an outstanding young woman entering or attending a four-year accredited college or university. This scholarship reflects the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to uplifting young women whose academic achievement, leadership, and dedication to service embody excellence and transformative community impact.

Scholarship Launch: August 3, 2026
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026 at 11:59 PM EST
Award Winner Announcement: September 25, 2026
Award Presentation: October 3, 2026 at the Scholarship Gala

Eligibility
Applicant must be:
1. A young woman who resides in New York City (five boroughs only),
2. A recent high school senior (2025-2026 graduate) attending her first year of college (freshman) at an accredited four-year college or university, and who
3. Demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, community service, and commitment to impact

Application Requirements
Applicant must submit:
1. Completed scholarship application
2. Official or unofficial transcript
3. Proof of college acceptance or enrollment
4. Resume or community service portfolio
5. Two letters of reference or recommendation
6. Written essay
7. Professional or school photo

Essay Prompt (500 words or less)
How will your education, leadership, and commitment to service create meaningful change within your community and beyond?
Applicant should submit a thoughtful, original essay that reflects purpose, leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence.

NOTE: The use of artificial intelligence tools including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or any other writing assistant is strictly prohibited for drafting, writing, or editing your scholarship essay and will result in your disqualification. Your submission must be entirely your own original work, written in your own personal voice and reflecting your unique life experiences.

Selection Criteria
All applicants must demonstrate commitment to and involvement in volunteer community service and academic excellence. Selection of recipients will be based on solid academic performance, exemplary community service, extracurricular activities, participation and leadership in school activities, future goals, two letters of reference, and an original essay on the topic provided. Financial need is not considered.

Scholarship Conditions
The Extolling Excellence Foundation for Service and Scholarship, Inc. award may be used to supplement benefits from the college or university a student attends/plans to attend and from other foundations or organizations. The award recipient may use the scholarship to cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, room and board, computers, health insurance, and other college-related expenses. A college acceptance letter and proof of enrollment must be provided before receipt of award. The award will be sent directly to the college/university that the student is/plans to attend and credited to her account.

Award recipient and parents)/guardian(s) are required to attend the Scholarship Gala on Saturday, October 3, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York 11224. Two complimentary tickets (valued at $500) will be provided to the award recipient and parents)/guardian(s).  Guests of the recipient will be required to purchase tickets to attend the gala. To purchase tickets or learn more about the gala, CLICK HERE.

Award amount and renewal criteria
One award recipient will receive a $6250 renewable four-year annual scholarship totaling $25,000. To renew the scholarship, the awardee must complete the renewal scholarship application and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale in the course of her four years matriculating as a full-time student. If the award recipient fails to submit a timely renewal application or provide official proof of or maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during any year of college enrollment, she will forfeit her ability to receive the remaining scholarship. The outstanding funds will be awarded either to the second-place winner or to the next identified award recipient.