Application Deadline

Fully completed application is due no later than March 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

GJS Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

1. You are an African-American high school senior from:
   • Southwest Georgia (the 14 counties of:
Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole,
Terrell, Thomas, or Worth)
   • or the San Francisco Bay Area (the 9 counties of: Alameda, Contra
Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma).
2. And, you are college-bound, graduating high school spring of this year.


GJS Scholarship Selection Criteria

1. You clearly demonstrate a need for financial aid (provide latest parent’s Tax Return Summary).
2. Your transcript shows an upward trend in grades and course load during high school
3. Both your Short Answer and Personal Essay submissions are original, well-written, answer the
 topic prompts, and provide a glimpse of your unique personality and perspective.
4. The reference letters speak specifically to your strengths and abilities.
5. Application is fully completed by the student, submitted on time, and free of
 errors.
6. Scholarship recipients need to confirm college of attendance before funds will be awarded.


Annual Scholarship Details

• Scholarship awards are typically between $500 to $2,000, increasing each academic year. Scholarships do not automatically renew — prior recipients may reapply each year of subsequent enrollment. Funds are sent directly to your school’s financial aid office to be applied to your student account.


Before you begin, write your Personal Essay

Your personal essay is vital to determining your scholarship eligibility, by demonstrating writing skills and the ability to express yourself in a concise manner. (Want some writing tips? See our College Essay Writing Tips here.)

• Write your Personal Essay on the topic below (400-600 words).
• Have your essay proofread for correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and structure. 
• Save your Personal Essay in PDF or Word format for upload.

TOPIC: Please share a challenge in life that you have encountered, what you did to overcome the challenge, and the lesson(s) learned that you will take forward in your life.

…and write your Short Answer

• Write out your Short Answer to the topic below (80-100 words).
• Have it proofread, and ready to copy and paste into the application.

TOPIC: Describe a small moment or everyday experience that has shaped your perspective on your community. How has this influenced your goals for the future?

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GJS Application for High School Seniors