The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is a prestigious, privately funded program designed to support college-bound high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. Operated by the Jackie Robinson Foundation, a nonprofit established to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson, the scholarship program extends more than just financial assistance. It provides a holistic support system that guides recipients through their undergraduate experience, emphasizing not only scholastic achievement but also personal and professional development.
The program is open to graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and who have not yet earned more than 25% of the credits required for a college degree. Applicants must show documented financial need and plan to attend a four-year college or university that is either based in the United States or affiliated with a U.S.-based institution. The scholarship is inclusive and does not require applicants to be athletes or to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
The application process is comprehensive, requiring submission of several components to assess both academic and personal qualifications. Required materials include one recommendation, demographic information, an unofficial high school transcript, details about college plans, optional standardized test scores (such as AP, IB, PSAT, ACT, or SAT), a list of extracurricular activities and distinctions, household financial information, a CSS profile, and four personal essays. There is no fee to apply.
The timeline for the 2025–2026 application cycle opens on September 2, 2025, and closes on January 7, 2026. Applications will be reviewed from February through April 2026, followed by virtual regional interviews for semi-finalists during April and May. Final scholarship notifications will be released in June 2026. The program offers an online Q&A session to assist applicants, with the next scheduled on Tuesday, November 18, from 7:00–8:00 PM ET.
The scholarship does not specify a fixed award amount or total program funding, nor does it require a matching contribution. While financial need is a key criterion, no numerical thresholds are publicly specified. The program is recurring and opens annually, with the next anticipated cycle beginning in September 2026.
Applicants or advisors seeking more information are encouraged to visit the Jackie Robinson Foundation website or reach out to the foundation via email at connect@jackierobinson.org or by phone at (212) 290-8600. The foundation is located at One Hudson Square, 75 Varick Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10013.
Ensure application completeness to proceed to review phase; essays and financial documentation are essential.
