Educational Scholarship 2026
Samantha Smith Essay Scholarship
First Place
$10,000
and following the student for up to 4 years.
Second Place
$7,000
and following the student for up to 4 years.
Third Place
$5,000
and following the student for up to 4 years.
Applications and Essays accepted between April 1 Thru May 31, 2026.
Essay Topic for 2026:
Samantha loved to read and was known for reading 3 different books at once. Yet, there was one particular book that captured her completely and holding her full attention. By her questions, one could see it had made an impression on her at such a young age, teaching her valuable life lessons and leaving her in awe. Have you ever read a book or watched a fictional movie that had this kind of impact on you.
:
- A correctly completed application form answering all questions.
- One scholarship awarded for first, second and third place winners.
- A grade point average of 3.0 (on a four-point scale) or higher upon graduation from high school/GED, or the most recent level of education post high school.
- The applicant must be between the ages of high school (approximately 14-18 years old) and no older than 40 years old.
- If the winner has yet to matriculate from high school, the scholarship will be accrued in a bond bearing interest account and will be dispersed upon graduation from high school or obtainment of a GED (graduate equivalency degree).
- A typed essay in Cambria Font, Font Size 12, Single Spaced, Pages Numbered and no use of your name on the Essay or in your Essay.
- You must acknowledge and accept our AI Policy Disclaimer.