Become a JRF Scholar

The Jackie Robinson Foundation provides a multi-faceted experience designed to not only address the financial needs of students who aspire to attend college but to guide them through the process of higher education. If you or a student is interested, please share our 2025-2026 application flyer.

 

September 2, 2025

Application Open

Application opens
January 7, 2026

Application Due

All materials must be submitted by the due date for an application to be complete and advance in the review process.
Feb-April 2026

Review

Applications go through a rigorous, multi-stage review process.
April-May 2026

Interviews

Regional virtual interviews of semi-finalists
June 2026

Announcement

Final notification of application status

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, applicants must:

- Be a graduating high school senior;
- Be a United States citizen;
- Present evidence of financial need;
- Demonstrate a record of academic excellence;
- Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service;
-Plan to attend an accredited and JRF approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a United States based college or university;
- Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.

Application Components

The online Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship application includes:

- One recommendation
- Demographics
- High school information including an unofficial high school transcript
- College plans
- Test scores (AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT) optional
- Activities and distinctions
- Household information
- CSS profile
- Four essays

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions?

View a list of frequently asked questions about becoming a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar and the application process. If you have additional questions not answered below contact Jackie Robinson Foundation by email at connect@jackierobinson.org.

When is the application due?

The application, letter of recommendation and CSS Profile are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 7, 2026. As we receive thousands of applications and everything must be submitted electronically, we recommend that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must:
– Be a graduating high school senior
– Be a United States citizen
– Present evidence of financial need
– Demonstrate a record of academic excellence
– Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service
– Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university
– Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college.

How do you define “financial need?”

The Jackie Robinson Foundation understands that there is a wide array of financial need. We will look at each application on a case by case basis.

I have never played any sports of any kind. Do I have to be an athlete to apply for this scholarship?

No, you do not have to be an athlete. The Jackie Robinson Foundation is a merit based academic scholarship.

Do I have to attend an HBCU (Historically Black College/University) to receive this award?

No. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship Award allows you to attend ANY accredited and approved four-year institution within the United States.

Have More Questions?

No matter where you are in the application process, we can provide guidance on any questions that arise. Check out a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the JRF Scholarship Application Process.

And find even more resources for your academic journey.

Application Resources


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