Overview
The Smith Scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) programs at accredited universities or colleges within Alabama.
Description
The Smith Scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) programs at accredited universities or colleges within Alabama.
Eligibility
To apply for the Smith Scholarship 2026, students must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Must be a current high school senior
Residency Requirements
Must graduate from an Alabama high school
Financial Need
Must demonstrate financial need
Must complete the FAFSA
SAI (Student Aid Index) must typically exceed $5,000
Personal Achievement & Character
Applicants are expected to show:
Leadership experience
Community service involvement
Volunteer contributions
A record of overcoming personal or financial hardships
Strong motivation and commitment to academic success
Additional Expectations
Willingness to participate in a strict accountability program
Commitment to tutoring, mentoring, and attending required cultural events
Additional Information
Degree Level
The Smith Scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate (bachelor’s degree) programs at accredited universities or colleges within Alabama.
Available Subjects
Smith Scholars may pursue any major, including:
Business
Education
Nursing & Healthcare
Engineering
Social Sciences
Computer Science
Humanities
Arts
STEM fields
Pre-Law and Pre-Medicine
There are no restrictions on the field of study as long as the student attends an accredited institution.
Benefits
The Smith Scholarship Foundation offers far more than financial aid. Benefits include:
1. Funding up to $20,000
Awards range from $500 to $20,000, based on financial need, academic performance, and program participation.
2. Renewable Full Scholarships
Full awards are renewable each year, provided the scholar submits renewal documents and follows program guidelines.
3. Mentorship Opportunities
Scholars receive guidance from professional mentors and university Team Leaders.
4. Internships
The foundation helps students access compensated internships to build career skills.
5. Study Abroad Support
Scholars may qualify for study abroad funding through the program.
6. Graduate School Assistance
Outstanding undergraduate Smith Scholars may receive additional support for graduate programs.
7. Academic & Personal Support
Includes:
Required tutoring
Counseling
Cultural and leadership event participation
Eligible Nationalities
To qualify, applicants must be:
U.S. Citizens, and
Residents of Alabama,
Graduating from an Alabama high school.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Smith Scholarship 2026, students must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Must be a current high school senior
Residency Requirements
Must graduate from an Alabama high school
Financial Need
Must demonstrate financial need
Must complete the FAFSA
SAI (Student Aid Index) must typically exceed $5,000
Personal Achievement & Character
Applicants are expected to show:
Leadership experience
Community service involvement
Volunteer contributions
A record of overcoming personal or financial hardships
Strong motivation and commitment to academic success
Additional Expectations
Willingness to participate in a strict accountability program
Commitment to tutoring, mentoring, and attending required cultural events
Application Procedure
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Applications open in October. Students must follow the instructions on the Smith Scholarship Foundation website to access the application link.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Provide accurate information about:
Personal details
Financial status
Academic history
Leadership & volunteer experience
Step 3: Write Essays & Short Responses
Applicants must answer several questions on:
Personal challenges
Community involvement
Future educational and career goals
Step 4: Submit Required Documents
Official high school transcripts
At least 3 letters of recommendation
Proof of Pell Grant or FAFSA completion
Optional creative submissions (e.g., artwork, writing samples)
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
Applications are due by the first week of January, with the official deadline being January 1, 2026.
Step 6: Wait for Notification
Finalists may be contacted for interviews or additional documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Do I need to be a top student to apply? No. You only need a minimum 2.5 GPA, but strong leadership and resilience are extremely important.
Can homeschool students apply? No. Applicants must graduate from an Alabama high school.
Does the scholarship cover all majors? Yes. All academic majors are eligible.
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Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
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Degree
Bachelor
Subjects
All Subjects
Nationality
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Country
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Source
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