USA Scholarships
Pittenger American History Scholarship 2027 - $2K/yr
The Pittenger American History Scholarship 2027 rewards graduating high school seniors who plan a deep undergraduate focus on American history and American government. Daughters of the American Revolution awards $2,000 per year for up to four consecutive years, with renewal tied to a 3.25 GPA and annual transcript review by the National Chairman. You must complete at least 24 credit hours in those subjects during your bachelor's program. US citizens apply through DAR AcademicWorks from November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time. Students living abroad may apply through a DAR Units Overseas Chapter.
What is the Pittenger American History Scholarship?
The Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship encourages undergraduates to go deep on the American past and the institutions that govern the country today. DAR named the fund for two members who cared about civic education, and the award still favors students who can explain why history classes matter beyond memorizing dates.
If you are a high school senior heading into a bachelor''s program, this scholarship offers $2,000 per year for up to four years. That rhythm helps with textbooks and tuition spikes while you stack history and government electives. DAR expects at least 24 credit hours in those subjects before you graduate, so plan course sequences with your advisor early.
Renewal is straightforward but strict: keep a 3.25 GPA and send transcripts for the National Chairman''s review each year. Miss the GPA cutoff or the transcript deadline and future installments stop even if you still love the major. Treat the scholarship like a GPA contract tied to your passion for the field.
Applications live on DAR AcademicWorks with the same November-to-January window as other national funds. Citizens living overseas can route paperwork through a Units Overseas Chapter, which helps military families and expatriate students who still want an American history degree from a US campus. Write essays that connect classroom learning to community stories, because DAR reviewers respond to applicants who already act like historians in their neighborhoods.
Eligibility
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✓Graduating high school seniorYou must be a graduating high school senior planning to start an undergraduate degree at an accredited US college or university. Students already enrolled in college without graduating high school this cycle should review other DAR funds.
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✓United States citizenshipApplicants must be US citizens. Citizens residing abroad may apply through a DAR Units Overseas Chapter while following the same AcademicWorks process.
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✓Concentrated American history and government studyYour degree plan must include at least 24 credit hours in American history and American government coursework. Map required classes early so you can show reviewers a realistic plan.
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✓Accredited US college or universityYou must attend an accredited institution in the United States. Community college transfer paths qualify when you will complete the credit hour requirement during the bachelor's degree.
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✓Renewal GPA of 3.25Renewal requires maintaining at least a 3.25 GPA on your institution's scale and submitting transcripts for annual review. Falling below 3.25 or missing transcript deadlines can forfeit future payments.
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✓One DAR national scholarship per yearYou may apply to multiple DAR scholarships, but the committee grants only one national award per student each cycle. Make the Pittenger fund your priority if history is your clear major path.
Benefits
- Annual award $2,000 per year
- Maximum duration Up to four consecutive years
- Renewal 3.25 GPA plus annual transcript review
- Payment method Deposited with your college
- Credit requirement 24+ hours in history and government
- Full tuition coverage Partial funding only
Document checklist
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✓DAR AcademicWorks applicationComplete the online application at dar.academicworks.com during the November 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027 window.
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✓High school transcriptUpload a transcript showing courses, grades, and GPA through the latest grading period. Include AP, IB, or dual-enrollment history and government classes when listed.
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✓Proof of US citizenshipProvide passport, birth certificate, or naturalization documentation as outlined in DAR Scholarship FAQs.
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✓Planned course outlineUse essay space or uploads to explain how you will earn 24 credit hours in American history and government, naming sample courses or departments.
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✓Activities and leadership summaryHighlight history fair projects, debate, mock trial, museum volunteering, or civic education work that supports your major choice.
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✓Recommendation lettersInvite teachers or mentors who can confirm your academic strength and interest in American history before the portal closes.
How to apply
Deadline and timeline
FAQ
What is the Pittenger American History Scholarship?
It is a renewable DAR undergraduate scholarship for graduating high school seniors who will complete at least 24 credit hours in American history and American government. DAR pays $2,000 per year for up to four years when recipients maintain a 3.25 GPA and submit annual transcripts.
How much does the Pittenger scholarship pay each year?
The award is $2,000 per academic year. Over four consecutive years that equals $8,000 in total support deposited with your college.
What courses count toward the 24 credit hours?
Credit must come from American history and American government coursework listed on your degree plan. Work with your academic advisor to choose classes that satisfy both major requirements and DAR rules.
When is the Pittenger American History Scholarship deadline?
Apply between November 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time using dar.academicworks.com.
Can college freshmen apply for the Pittenger scholarship?
The fund targets graduating high school seniors entering undergraduate study. If you already finished high school, explore other DAR awards such as the Centennial Scholarship for graduate preservation students or law school funds on dar.org.
What GPA do I need to renew the Pittenger scholarship?
Maintain at least a 3.25 GPA and send transcripts for annual review by the National Chairman. Missing the review deadline can forfeit renewal even if your grades qualify.
Can US citizens living overseas apply?
Yes. DAR allows US citizens residing abroad to apply through a Units Overseas Chapter while using the same AcademicWorks application.
Who should I email about the Pittenger scholarship?
Contact [email protected] for fund-specific questions or [email protected] for general portal support.
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