Fidelity Scholars Program Overview

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About the Program

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The Fidelity Scholars Program provides access to education and ongoing support to historically underserved and underrepresented students who want to attend four-year, two-year and certificate academic programs and help prepare them to become the next generation of professionals whose career achievements will allow them to positively impact their lifetime earnings and build generational wealth.

The program takes a holistic approach to driving transformational change by combining student scholarships with ongoing support, including resources to complete degree programs and pathways to post-graduation employment.

The Fidelity Scholars Program is unique as it provides scholarship dollars and access to coaches and mentors, financial education and health and wellness resources.

Last year, the Fidelity Scholars Program awarded 200 Scholars across three states with more than $2.8 million in scholarships, with 65% of those Scholars as first-generation college goers.

Selected Fidelity Scholars will be part of a prestigious program and will be expected to attend an event their first year where they will meet their Fidelity Mentors, College Success Coach and cohort of other Fidelity Scholars.

The Award

Bachelor’s degree recipients may be funded for up to four years of study.

As a need-based scholarship, the amount of financial support provided will depend on the cost of attendance determined by the college or university in which you are enrolling.

The Fidelity Scholars Program uses a last dollar approach. That means your scholarship funds will only be applied after your family contribution and all other financial aid sources have been granted. In other words, as a last dollar scholarship, the Fidelity Scholars program will reduce the need for you to take out loans and incur educational debt related to the cost of attendance.

Eligibility Requirements

The program is open to historically underserved and underrepresented students ages 16 to 24 who are permanent residents of Florida, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Jersey, Texas, and the District of Columbia.

  • 2.5 – 3.5 unweighted GPA or GED
  • Pell eligible and/or demonstrate financial need
  • Attend as an incoming 2024-25 freshman at a 4-year accredited college or university in the state that you reside
  • Student applicants must come from underrepresented populations and historically underserved communities who have faced systemic barriers and challenges to economic mobility. We specifically encourage students from Black, Latino, Native American (with documented tribal affiliation) and underrepresented Asian American/Pacific Islander heritage to apply.

What Do You Need to Apply?

Applicants must first create an account on the UNCF site. This registration process will take 10 minutes.

For consideration, submit required application materials by Thursday, January 11 at 11:59pm:

  • The Fidelity Scholars Program wants to learn about your individual identity. In particular, we are curious about the lived experiences and viewpoints that have shaped you. (Share an essay in 500 words or less)
  • A creative 60 second video answering the prompt: “Through the lens of your identity, what does financial freedom mean to you?”
  • A current academic transcript of all recorded grades or GED certificate.
  • A completed reference letter from an individual familiar with your character and academic performance – this can be coach, teacher, community or religious leader – anyone outside of your family that can attest to or speak for your character and ability. Relatives cannot serve as a reference, nor can we accept email letters of recommendation. Instruct the person to provide you with a letter on organizational letterhead and simply upload it to your application.
  • Your leadership and work experience, honors and awards, and community service in the accomplishments section of the application
  • (optional) An official school profile from your school’s professional counseling department that shows the school’s name, address, CEEB code and grading structure.

Finalists will be notified by March 15.

Before this time, make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It does not open until December this year, which means you will need to work quickly to complete it so that colleges/university financial aid offices can provide you with you financial aid letter.

If selected as a finalist, you will be asked to submit your admissions letter and financial aid letter.

Selected Scholars will be notified in April/May.

Have questions? Check out our FAQ / Get Help section.