Panda Cares First-Year Scholars

Students studying

The Panda Cares First-Year Scholars Program is a one-time postsecondary scholarship and college success program for graduating high school seniors entering their first year of college.

A student must:

  • Possess a demonstrated financial need as verified by the student’s college or university.
  • Possess a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time freshman in fall 2024, attending a U.S.-located, four-year or two-year, accredited college or university.
  • Be a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the U.S.

Selection Process

Applicants must submit these items in order to have a completed application considered:

  • A personal statement to demonstrate their grit in their pursuit of a college education;
  • A copy of their financial aid award letter from the college they are attending;
  • A full copy of their most recent FAFSA student aid report;
  • Final high school transcript with graduation date;
  • A statement describing their extracurricular activities, honors and awards, and community service

For questions regarding the scholarship program, please email PandaCaresFirstYear@uncf.org.

The application for 2024-2025 is open from September 30, 2024-November 11, 2024.