Apply - Jackie Robinson Foundation

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

JRF Scholarship Program Features

42 Strategies for Success Curriculum

Just as important as financial assistance are the extensive support services that JRF Scholars receive throughout their college careers. JRF equips Scholars with a comprehensive set of support services, including curriculum guidance, career mentoring, internship placement, and a host of practical life skills and leadership
training to help them succeed both academically and in life.

Hands-on Mentoring Services

JRF believes in providing mentorship opportunities to meet the individual needs of Scholars as they navigate college, face challenges, and prepare for opportunities post-graduation. JRF staff, volunteer Scholar Advisory Committee (SAC) members, corporate and university partners, community leaders and JRF Alumni provide mentoring to JRF Scholars on an individualized, year-round basis.

Rachel Robinson International Fellowship

The Rachel Robinson International Fellowship (RRIF) Program was established in 2008 with a generous grant from the Sheila C. Johnson Foundation to support international service and study opportunities for JRF Scholars. RRIF participants may use the grant for a variety of initiatives, such as a study abroad program, philanthropic efforts, or in conjunction with an approved internship abroad.

Online and Regional Programming

JRF provides year-round webinars and on-site workshops that develop effective study habits, practical life skills, strong character traits, and leadership. JRF Scholars are afforded opportunities to practice and hone these skills through networking, participating in public events, engagement in national and local media, and other ambassadorial platforms facilitated by JRF.

Internship / Job Placement

JRF sponsors and institutional partners offer valuable career opportunities to JRF Scholars, providing internships, permanent employment, and exposure to a rich network of professionals. JRF staff work on a customized basis with corporations, community leaders, government agencies, and other employers to identify “good fit” job opportunities and prepare Scholars to become leaders in a global economy.

Community Service Requirement

JRF Scholars are required to perform community service work throughout their JRF experience. Scholars must document the specifics of their service work and keep all accounts on file with JRF staff. Through these efforts, JRF Scholars gain practical skills and self-confidence and, in turn, impact the lives of thousands who benefit each year from the vast number of projects and work undertaken.

Extra Innings Fellowship (EIF)

The Extra Innings Fellowship (EIF) Program was conceived of and funded by a generous endowed gift from The Windmill Foundation to help highly motivated JRF Scholars fund the cost of advanced professional or graduate training. EIF promotes the study of a broad range of topics and disciplines that address communities in need both across the country and around the world.

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

View All FAQs

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

BigFuture is a free, comprehensive set of digital resources that helps all students take a productive first step after high school. Visit BigFuture today!

Become a JRF Scholar