College JumpStart Gratitude Scholarship Application

The $1,000 College JumpStart Pay It Forward Scholarship allows you to share a time that you have paid it forward. In other words, has there been a time that someone has done something kind for you and this has motivated you to do something kind for someone else? We’d love to hear about this experience and how it has affected you. (If this topic doesn’t speak to you, you may also write about any topic of your choice.)

Personal Statement

Please answer ONE of the following questions in 250 words or less.

(1) Reflect on a time that you’ve paid it forward and how it has affected you and what you’ve learned from the experience.

-OR-

(2) Write about the topic of your choice.

Your personal statement will be judged on its content not your writing style. Please focus on the substance of your answer. And remember the words of Thomas Jefferson who said, "The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do." Good luck!

Deadline: September 30, 2025

• Current student (high school 10th-12th or college) or planning to enter college within the next 12 months

• U.S. citizen or legal resident

• Complete the online application including the personal statement

• Financial need is not considered nor are grades or test scores

• Winners are announced here

• If your college is not listed, select “School Not Listed”