Hadden Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Youth Foundation

Here’s a clearer, more conversational version written in the tone of a thoughtful high‑school teacher. I’ve reorganized the information so it’s easier to scan and shows what you need to know and do. Overview - The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship (est. 1968) supports exceptionally worthy high‑school seniors with demonstrated financial need. Awards can continue for up to four years of undergraduate study at an accredited, four‑year college or university in the United States. - Recipients must be U.S. citizens. Who is eligible - U.S. citizens planning to enroll full time at a four‑year accredited college or university in the United States. - Demonstrated financial need (you’ll show this with your college financial aid award letter). - Minimum unweighted GPA to apply: 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. - There is no minimum standardized test score for the application, though past winners have had competitive scores. What the selection committee looks for - Scholastic achievement - Character - Leadership - Volunteerism - Financial need Important dates and deadlines - Application dates are posted on the Youth Foundation website and inside the application. - The application opens at 12:00 midnight EST on the first day of the cycle and closes at 11:59 PM EST on the last day of the cycle. All times are Eastern Standard Time. Deadlines are strictly enforced—late applications will not be accepted. Award details - Current award amount: up to $10,000 per scholar, renewable for a maximum of four regular undergraduate years. - Subject to your college’s rules, the scholarship may be used toward a semester or year of study abroad. How the money is handled (and an important rule) - Funds are sent directly to your college or university and are to be used for your benefit. - Acceptable uses (subject to federal/state law and your school’s policies) include tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. Some schools may allow use for items like a laptop or health insurance—but that depends on the institution. - Important: The Youth Foundation does not allow “award displacement.” That means your school may not reduce other grants or institutional aid because you receive a Hadden Scholarship. A Hadden Scholarship is intended to supplement—not replace—other grants. What finalists must provide - A copy of their financial aid award letter from the college or university. - A list of all outside scholarships. - Verification from the college’s financial aid office that awarding the Hadden Scholarship will not cause award displacement. If a school displaces aid - If your institution reduces its grant in violation of the policy, the Youth Foundation will adjust or discontinue the Hadden Scholarship to remain in compliance with its rules. Renewability requirements - Scholarships are renewable for up to four years if you: - Enroll and remain a full‑time student, - Maintain an annual cumulative GPA of at least 3.0, - Provide academic transcripts and financial aid award letters annually (or whenever requested), - Keep your contact information current with the Youth Foundation. A final note from me as your teacher: read the deadlines and documentation requirements carefully, gather your financial aid award letter early, and confirm with your college’s financial aid office how outside scholarships are handled. Doing those things will keep your application and future funding on solid ground.