The Gates Scholarship provides funding for the full cost of attendance (full ride) for 300 students who plan to attend accredited, not-for-profit, private or public universities. The first phase screening application is available July 15, 2025, and closes September 15, 2025.
To qualify, you must be:
- A high school senior
- Pell Grant Eligible
- U.S. Citizen, National, or Permanent Resident
- Minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
They are looking for students who possess the following:
- Top 10% of class
- Strong leadership skills demonstrated through involvement in community service and extracurricular activities
- Outstanding personal qualities (maturity, leadership, motivation, perseverance)
I have had the pleasure of assisting several students who have received this scholarship including Darion Wiggs who graduated from undergrad and graduate school debt-free from the University of Illinois.
The program provides additional support services for students during and after college through networking and internship opportunities. If you meet the criteria, you should definitely apply. This is a life-changing program. Good luck!