Frequently Asked 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

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When is the application due?

The application and letter of recommendation are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 10, 2024. 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, minority 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 - Submit an official SAT and/or ACT test exam score from junior or senior year* - 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. *JRF recognizes the challenges of taking standardized tests during the COVID-19 pandemic; applicants who do not HAVE TEST SCORES to submit will not be disadvantaged in the selection process.

Do I have to be a high school senior?

Yes, to be eligible for a Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship, an applicant must: - Be a graduating, minority 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 - Submit an official SAT and/or ACT test exam score from junior or senior year* - Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college within the United States or affiliated with a United States-based college or university - Not possess a degree from, or be enrolled in, a 2- or 4–year college when applying *JRF recognizes the challenges of taking standardized tests during the COVID-19 pandemic; applicants who do not HAVE TEST SCORES to submit will not be disadvantaged in the selection process.

Can I apply even if I haven’t been accepted to a college yet?

Yes, you may apply for our scholarship if you haven’t been accepted to a college yet. However, the eventual awarding of the scholarship will require verification of college enrollment.

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.

Do I have to be a minority to apply for this scholarship?

The Jackie Robinson Foundation prides itself on its diverse pool of Scholars; and uses the U.S. Census Bureau definition of minority. If you feel that you are part of a minority group, we encourage you to apply.

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.

How do you define community service and civic engagement?

The Jackie Robinson Foundation is looking for the next group of leaders and innovators. We are looking for individuals who address community needs in insightful, thought provoking, exciting new ways. Whether it is starting a non–profit or school organization, reading to local students, volunteering in the food pantry, or building houses for the needy, JRF Scholars are ambassadors of Jackie’s philosophy that, “A life is not important except in its impact on other lives.”

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.

Where do I send my application?

The application and the letter of recommendation can only be submitted electronically via JRF’s online application.

Can I download the application, complete, and send in a hard copy?

No. The application can only be submitted online.

Who should complete my letter of recommendation?

Select a recommender who will devote the time to provide a positive, compelling, and accurate description of you. The person should have known you for a significant period of time, but should not be a family member or someone who knows you only in a friendship capacity. The recommender should be fully aware of your academic history, interests, and goals, and should address your ability to meet the requirements and expectations of the JRF scholarship, including strong academic performance, community service, and leadership propensity.  Possible recommenders to consider are: a teacher, guidance counselor, athletic coach, employer, or mentor with whom you have interacted in an extra-curricular activity.

How does my recommender submit my letter of recommendation?

Once you create an account, you will click on the recommendation tab where you will input your recommender’s email address and invite them to complete your letter of recommendation. The system then notifies your recommender of the due date, lets you know when your recommendation has been completed, and is transmitted electronically to JRF. You can even include background information when you request a recommendation to assist in personalizing your letter. Be sure to follow up with your recommender to ensure they submit your letter of recommendation at least 24 hours before the deadline. For your application to be considered complete, all components, including your letter of recommendation, must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. EST on January 10, 2024. JRF will only accept online submissions.

I am home schooled, what do I need to provide in lieu of a school district issued transcript?

As a home-schooled applicant, you should submit your parent-issued transcript.

Do you grant extensions for late applications?

No, we are unable to grant extensions for late applications. The application deadline date is 5:00 p.m. EST on January 10, 2024.

When will I find out if I received the scholarship award?

You will be notified of your status by end of June.

How many awards do you typically give out?

The number of scholarship awards distributed varies each year, but typically, 60 awards are given out annually.

If I am awarded the scholarship, do I receive financial support for the four years that I am in college and meet the requirements?

Yes. The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship award is disbursed over four years.

I will be in a five-year program in college. Will JRF support me in my fifth year?

The JRF commitment is for four years of college.

Is there someone I can contact if I need help completing the application?

For all questions regarding the online application or requirements contact Jackie Robinson Foundation by email at connect@jackierobinson.org.