FAITH Scholarships for Academic Excellence

Scholarship Sponsored by FAITH Endowment

Description
The FAITH Scholarship for Academic Excellence recognizes outstanding graduating high school seniors from the Greek and Hellenic American community who demonstrate academic achievement, community service, and commitment to Orthodox Christian values. Awarded annually since 2004, the scholarship supports students as they begin undergraduate studies at accredited four-year U.S. institutions. Recipients become part of a national network of scholars who exemplify the intellectual and civic virtues celebrated by Hellenic heritage. The program emphasizes merit and character alongside academic promise.

**Key takeaways:**
- Annual merit-based scholarship for graduating high school seniors.
- Focus on academic excellence, community service, and Orthodox Christian values.
- Recipients join a national network of FAITH Scholars.
- Supports students beginning four-year undergraduate programs in the U.S.

Eligibility
Applicants must be graduating from a public, private, or parochial high school in the United States and intend to enroll in a four-year accredited U.S. college or university in fall 2026. Eligibility requires Hellenic descent and/or affiliation with the Greek Orthodox faith, and applicants must be members of a parish. The award is limited to students who are completing high school in the U.S. — international or transfer students are not covered under the stated criteria. Candidates should confirm parish membership and documentation as part of their application.

**Key takeaways:**
- Open to U.S. high school graduates entering college in fall 2026.
- Must be of Hellenic descent and/or Greek Orthodox faith.
- Parish membership is required.
- Applicable only to students graduating from U.S. high schools.

Award Value and Distribution
Scholarships are awarded on a merit basis, with additional allocations available when applicants submit optional financial documentation for need consideration. Award checks are issued in the recipient’s name and mailed to the address provided on the application. Specific award amounts vary by year and by individual recipients; exact amounts are communicated in the official award notification. Funds are intended to help cover undergraduate educational expenses at accredited four-year institutions.

**Key takeaways:**
- Primary awards are merit-based; need-based adjustments possible with submitted financial documents.
- Checks are made payable to the recipient and mailed to the address on file.
- Award amounts vary; details provided upon notification.
- Intended to support undergraduate education costs.

Application Requirements
Applicants must complete the official application and provide materials requested by the program (transcripts, essays, and parish affiliation documentation as applicable). Financial documents are optional—include them only if you wish to be considered for additional need-based funding. All materials should be accurate and submitted according to the program’s instructions to ensure full consideration. Applicants are responsible for confirming that their chosen college is a four-year accredited U.S. institution.

**Key takeaways:**
- Required: completed application, academic transcripts, and parish affiliation evidence.
- Optional: financial documentation for need-based consideration.
- Ensure accuracy and compliance with submission instructions.
- Verify that the chosen college is a four-year accredited U.S. institution.

Selection and Notification Timeline
The scholarship follows an annual review cycle. Applicants will be notified of the Review Committee’s decision by email in September 2026 for this award cycle. After notification, award checks are prepared and mailed to recipients using the address submitted with the application. Applicants should monitor their email for official communications and respond promptly to any follow-up requests from the Review Committee.

**Key takeaways:**
- Annual selection process with decisions communicated by email.
- Notification for this cycle: September 2026.
- Award checks mailed after notification to the address on file.
- Monitor email and respond promptly to any committee requests.

History of the Award
Established in 2004, the FAITH Scholarship for Academic Excellence was created to honor and cultivate scholarly achievement within the Greek and Hellenic American community. Over time the program has built a network of nearly 1,000 FAITH Scholars who reflect both intellectual accomplishment and a commitment to charity and community service. The award draws inspiration from Hellenic cultural values and Orthodox Christian principles, aiming to develop leaders who contribute positively to their communities. The program continues to evolve while maintaining its core emphasis on merit and service.

**Key takeaways:**
- Founded in 2004 to support Hellenic American academic leaders.
- Network includes nearly 1,000 FAITH Scholars.
- Emphasizes scholarship, charity, community service, and Orthodox values.
- Maintains a long-standing annual scholarship tradition.