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Greater Essex Scholarship Foundation 2026

Empowering Newark’s Next Generation of Community Leaders

About the Scholarship

The Greater Essex Scholarship Foundation 2026 is proud to recognize and support exceptional graduating seniors from the Newark and Orange School Districts who have shown academic dedication, leadership, and a commitment to community service.

This scholarship program provides financial assistance to help students pursue higher education while continuing their positive impact on the community.

Scholarship Awards

A total of four (4) scholarships will be awarded:

  • Two (2) $1,000 Scholarships
  • Two (2) $500 Scholarships

Note: Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s college or university once proof of enrollment is received.

Important Dates

  • Application Opens: January 30, 2026
  • Application Closes: April 5, 2026
  • Awardees Announced: April 20, 2026

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

  1. Be a current high school senior attending a Newark or Orange School District high school.
  2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (Transcript required).
  3. Have completed community service or volunteer work during high school.
  4. Have received acceptance into a college, university, or trade school (acceptance letter required).
  5. Demonstrate leadership, character, and commitment to their community.

We accept students from Newark, NJ and Orange, NJ.

Application Requirements

All applications must include the following materials by April 5, 2026:

  1. Completed Scholarship Application Form
    • Available at the Greater Essex Counseling Services website.
  2. Official High School Transcript
    • Must confirm a minimum GPA of 2.5.
  3. College Acceptance Letter
    • Proof of acceptance from an accredited college, university, or trade school.
  4. Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
    • One from a teacher or school staff member.
    • One letter from the organization or supervisor where you completed your community service or volunteer work.
  5. Community Work Summary
    • A one-page summary detailing your community service throughout high school.
    • Include organizations, roles, and total hours volunteered.
  6. Personal Testimony Video (2–3 minutes)
    • Introduce yourself and share:
      • Why you should be selected for this scholarship.
      • What your community means to you.
      • How your community involvement has shaped your goals and personal growth.
    • Upload as a private YouTube or Google Drive link (accessible to the Scholarship Committee).

How to Apply

  1. Gather all required documents (transcript, letters, community summary, video, and college acceptance letter).
  2. Complete the official application form for the Greater Essex Scholarship Foundation 2026.
  3. Attach all materials — incomplete applications will not be considered.
  4. Submit your application by April 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

After Selection

Award recipients will be required to:

  1. Submit an official letter of registration or enrollment from their college or university before scholarship funds are released.
  2. Maintain communication with the Foundation to ensure timely payment to the school.

Scholarship payments will be made directly to the student’s college or university in the student’s name.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  • Community involvement and leadership
  • Strength of personal testimony
  • Quality of recommendation letters

The four award recipients will be notified by email and publicly announced on April 20, 2026.

Scholarship Application Form

    Applicant Information

    High School Information

    College/University Information

    Attach a copy of your college acceptance letter.*

    Community Service & Leadership

    Attach your one-page community service summary with details of your involvement.*

    Letters of Recommendation

    Please upload or provide contact information for two references:

    Teacher/School Staff Member


    Community Organization or Supervisor


    Attach both recommendation letters.*


    Personal Testimony Video

    Provide a link to your 2–3 minute video introduction (YouTube or Google Drive link)*

    (Ensure the link is set to “Viewable” by the Scholarship Committee.)

    Applicant Certification

    I certify that all information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false information may disqualify me from scholarship consideration.

    For any questions or issues during the application process, please contact Tahiri at tahiri.alvarado@greateressexnj.com or call (973) 623-7878.