Individual grant

Apply for Gates Scholarship

This helper is tailored to Gates Scholarship Program, the program requirements on file, and the documents listed for this grant.

Max award

$50,000

Deadline

September 15, 2025

Agency

Gates Scholarship Program

Source

private funding

What this application should emphasize

Use these points to make your draft match this grant instead of sounding like a generic application.

Explain your need clearly and connect the grant to a specific, realistic next step.
Include proof of eligibility, timeline, and the result the funding will make possible.
Must be an African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, or Hispanic American student
Must be a US citizen or permanent resident

Check off each item as you gather it — have these ready before you open the application.

0 of 8 items ready

Download, complete, and save each item before submitting.

0 of 6 ready

Nomination from a Gates-approved nominator (required — cannot self-nominate)

One nominator letter plus two additional recommendation letters (one from an educator, one from a community leader)

Official high school transcript

Personal essays describing background, leadership, and educational goals

FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) demonstrating Pell Grant eligibility

Note: SAT/ACT scores are NOT required

Answer these once — your responses will be used to generate the draft in the next step.