USA Scholarships
Gilman Foundation Scholarship 2027 - Up to $6,000
The Frank M. and Olive F. Gilman Foundation Scholarship invests in Orange and Windsor County seniors who want certificate programs or full-time undergraduate degrees that build earning power. VSAC administers roughly 75 awards up to $6,000 each per cycle for students graduating from thirteen named high schools in those counties. Vermont residency is not required, but school and full-time enrollment rules are strict. An independent committee selects winners on financial need, essay #1, and recommendation letter #1. Enter scholarship ID GILMAN on the Unified Scholarship Application and file FAFSA before February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Recipients may hear results at high school graduation ceremonies.
What is the Frank M. and Olive F. Gilman Foundation Scholarship?
The Gilman Foundation built this fund to push more Orange and Windsor County seniors toward credentials that pay off in the labor market. VSAC runs the application, but an independent committee picks winners without Gilman board members in the room. That separation keeps the process focused on need, essay quality, and the recommendation on your file.
The numbers are larger than many Vermont memorial funds. VSAC estimated hundreds of applicants chasing dozens of awards worth up to $6,000 each. Vermont residency is not required, which surprises some families, yet the high school list is narrow. If your diploma will not come from one of the thirteen named schools, GILMAN is not your fund.
Renewal can stretch the value across four years of full-time study when you stay enrolled without gaps. File FAFSA, enter ID GILMAN on the Unified Scholarship Application, and treat the February 11 deadline as immovable. Winners often hear their names at graduation, so keep your counselor looped in through spring.
Eligibility
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✓Named Orange or Windsor high schoolBe a current senior who will graduate from Blue Mountain Union, Green Mountain Union, Hartford, Mid Vermont Christian, Oxbow, Randolph Union, Sharon Academy, Springfield, Thetford Academy, White River Valley, Williamstown Middle High, Windsor, or Woodstock Union High School.
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✓Certificate or undergraduate pathSeek a certificate or an associate or bachelor's degree and enroll full time at an accredited Title IV college or training program.
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✓Financial need on FAFSADemonstrate financial need through FAFSA data linked in MyVSAC. Need weighs heavily in Gilman Foundation selection.
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✓School and community involvementShow school or community involvement through essay #1 and your non-relative recommendation.
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✓Vermont residency optionalThe VSAC booklet states Vermont residency is not required for GILMAN, but your high school must be one of the thirteen listed Orange or Windsor County schools.
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✓Continuous full-time enrollment for renewalRenewal for up to three additional years requires continuous full-time enrollment or VSAC may cancel the award.
Benefits
- Maximum amount Up to $6,000 per year when funded
- Typical number of awards Approximately 75 scholarships (~259 applicants)
- Selection factors Financial need, recommendation letter, and essay
- Renewability Up to three additional years with continuous full-time enrollment
- Notification timing Recipients notified at high school graduation ceremonies
- Part-time study Not covered; full-time enrollment required
Document checklist
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✓Unified Scholarship Application (USA)Complete the USA in MyVSAC and enter scholarship ID GILMAN for the Gilman Foundation committee.
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✓FAFSA for the aid yearFile FAFSA for 2027-2028 after October 1, 2026 because financial need drives selection.
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✓Essay #1 (general essay)Describe your academic plans, community involvement, and how certificate or college study fits your goals.
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✓Recommendation letter #1 (non-relative)Submit one non-relative letter through MyVSAC from someone who knows your character and work ethic.
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✓MyVSAC accountRegister or update secureacctaccess.vsac.org with accurate high school, full-time enrollment, and contact details.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
Which high schools qualify for the Gilman Foundation Scholarship?
Seniors must graduate from one of thirteen Orange or Windsor County schools listed in the VSAC booklet, including Hartford, Springfield, Windsor, Woodstock Union, and Randolph Union. Other Vermont schools do not qualify.
Does the Gilman Foundation Scholarship require Vermont residency?
No. The VSAC booklet explicitly states Vermont residency is not required for GILMAN. You still must graduate from one of the named high schools.
How much is the Gilman Foundation Scholarship?
VSAC lists approximately 75 scholarships up to $6,000 each when funding allows. A recent cycle estimated about 259 applicants competing for roughly 53 awards.
Is the Gilman Foundation Scholarship renewable?
Yes. It may renew for up to three additional years if you remain continuously enrolled full time in a certificate or undergraduate program at a Title IV school.
What VSAC ID do I use for the Gilman Foundation Scholarship?
Enter GILMAN on the Unified Scholarship Application. Use GILMAN-R only if VSAC instructs you to renew an existing Gilman award.
When is the Gilman Foundation Scholarship deadline?
Submit the USA, FAFSA, essay, and recommendation by February 11, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern for 2027-2028 funding.
Can Gilman recipients use the award for certificate programs?
Yes. The booklet allows certificate programs or undergraduate degrees as long as you enroll full time at a Title IV approved school.
When are Gilman Foundation Scholarship winners notified?
The VSAC booklet notes that recipients will be notified at high school graduation ceremonies after the independent selection committee completes its review.
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