American Dream Scholarship 2026

The Scholarship America Dream Award is designed to help students persist toward earning a degree by offering renewable scholarships of up to $10,000 per year, available for up to four years. It supports current college undergraduates enrolled full-time in a two‑ or four‑year accredited institution in the U.S. for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Scholarship Summary

• Host country: United States
• Scholarship provider: Scholarship America
• Scholarship for: Current college undergraduates (first associate’s or bachelor’s degree), including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients, planning full‑time study for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Scholarship value: Up to $10,000 per year, renewable up to three additional years (total up to four years), contingent on full‑time enrollment, academic performance, and availability of funds.
• Deadline: December 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM CT.

Scholarship Benefits

• Renewable up to four years or until the recipient earns a first bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
• Awards available in multiple categories: General Dream Award, Scholarship America Honor Roll Trustee Award, STEM-focused scholarships, and the World Journal Award for Chinese-American students.
• A deferral of up to one year may be granted for any reason.
• Payment is made in a single installment in August.

Scholarship Requirements

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
• Be a current undergraduate planning full-time study (first associate’s or bachelor’s) at an accredited U.S. institution for the 2025–2026 academic year.
• Demonstrate financial need and the ability to overcome challenges.

Semifinalists must provide:

• A current, complete official transcript (grade reports not accepted).
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status.
• 1040 tax forms; if not filed, submit a letter plus documentation of any income, such as Social Security or disability income statements.
• One online recommendation form.

How to Apply

• Applications are currently closed; applicants can click “Remind Me” on the Scholarship America page to be notified when the application reopens.
• Notifications:
  • Status updates: Early January
  • Recipients notified: March
• Applicants are advised to use a personal email (not school or work) and add [email protected] and [email protected] to their safe-sender list

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