Application Deadline

Fully completed application is due no later than March 15, 2026, 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

GJS Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

1. You are a prior Gaines-Jones scholarship recipient applying for additional funding.
2. And, you are currently enrolling as an undergraduate or post-graduate student this year.
3. Your application is complete, including required fields and uploads, and contact info such as: cell phone, email address, and current mailing address.

GJS Selection Committee Criteria

1. Continued need for financial aid.
2. College transcript shows upward trend in grades and course.
3. Personal Essay is original, well-written, and on-topic.
4. Grammar, spelling, and updated information is important.

Annual Scholarship Details

• Scholarship awards are typically between $500 to $2,000, increasing each academic year.
• Scholarships do not automatically renew — prior recipients may reapply each year of subsequent enrollment.
• Funds are sent directly to your school’s financial aid office to be applied to your student account.


Before you begin, write your Personal Essay

Your personal essay is vital to determining your scholarship eligibility, by demonstrating writing skills and the ability to express yourself in a concise manner. (Want some writing tips? See our College Essay Writing Tips here.)

• Write your Personal Essay on the topic below (400-600 words).
• Have your essay proofread for correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and structure. 
• Save your Personal Essay in PDF or Word format for upload.

TOPIC: If you could go back, what advice would you give your 16-year old self to be better prepared for the challenges of college, and why?

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GJS Application for Prior Scholarship Recipients