FAITH Scholarships for Academic Excellence

Scholarship Sponsored by FAITH Endowment

Description
**Purpose**
The FAITH Scholarship for Academic Excellence recognizes and supports outstanding graduating high school seniors from the Greek and Hellenic American community who demonstrate academic promise and leadership. The program awards merit-based scholarships annually and connects recipients with a national network of past scholars. It emphasizes scholarly achievement alongside civic-minded leadership and service.

Key takeaways:
- Annual merit scholarships for high-achieving Greek/Hellenic American seniors.
- Designed to support undergraduate study at accredited U.S. four-year institutions.
- Connects recipients to a national network of scholars.

Eligibility
**Academic and Enrollment**
Applicants must be graduating from a U.S. public, private, or parochial high school and intend to begin a full-time undergraduate degree program at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university in fall 2026.

**Community and Religious Requirements**
Applicants must be of Hellenic descent and/or members of the Greek Orthodox faith and belong to a parish.

Key takeaways:
- Must be a U.S. high school graduate entering college in fall 2026.
- Enrollment must be at a four-year accredited U.S. institution.
- Hellenic descent and/or Greek Orthodox parish membership required.

Selection & Financial Consideration
**Merit-Based Selection**
Scholarships are awarded primarily on merit. A Review Committee evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and other merit-based criteria.

**Optional Financial Need Review**
Applicants may optionally include financial documentation; submitting these documents allows consideration for additional allocations if financial need is a factor.

Key takeaways:
- Primary selection is merit-based, reviewed by a committee.
- Academic achievement and community leadership are key evaluation areas.
- Financial documents are optional and used only for additional need-based consideration.

Award Value
**Structure of Awards**
Award amounts are determined each cycle and vary by recipient; scholarships are intended to provide financial support for undergraduate study. Specific award amounts for the 2026 cycle will be announced by the organization.

**Purpose of Funding**
Awards are intended to help offset college costs and to recognize scholarly and civic achievements within the Hellenic community.

Key takeaways:
- Award amounts vary and are set per cycle.
- Scholarships support undergraduate education costs.
- Exact amounts are communicated by the organization for each cycle.

Application Timeline
**Eligible Cohort**
This cycle applies to students graduating high school in 2026 who will matriculate in fall 2026. Applicants should consult the official application for specific submission requirements.

**Decision Date**
All applicants will be notified of the Review Committee’s decisions by email in September 2026.

Key takeaways:
- For students graduating and enrolling in college in 2026.
- Decisions communicated by email in September 2026.
- Check the official application for submission deadlines and requirements.

Notification & Disbursement
**How Recipients Are Notified**
All applicants will receive an email with the Review Committee’s decision in September 2026.

**Payment Method**
Award checks are issued in the recipient’s name and mailed to the address provided on the application.

Key takeaways:
- Notification is by email in September 2026.
- Scholarship checks are made out to recipients.
- Checks are mailed to the application-provided address.

History of the Award
**Founding**
The FAITH Scholarship program was established in 2004 to honor and cultivate academic excellence among Greek and Hellenic American youth. Since inception, it has operated as an annual merit scholarship.

**Alumni Network and Values**
Nearly 1,000 scholars have joined the program’s alumni network. The award celebrates intellectual achievement and community service in the spirit of Hellenic heritage and the FAITH organization’s values.

Key takeaways:
- Program founded in 2004 and runs annually.
- Builds a national alumni network of ~1,000 scholars.
- Celebrates academic achievement and community service rooted in Hellenic heritage.

For specific application forms, deadlines, and detailed award amounts, consult the official FAITH Scholarship materials or contact the scholarship administrator.