The Junior League of Cleveland (JLC) is pleased to announce the opportunity for students to apply for a scholarship to support the achievement of their post-secondary education goals. Scholarships are awarded up to $5,000. The next application window will open fall 2026.

2025 Timeline

• October 2025: Info Night for Community Partners

  • We kick off the scholarship season by virtually bringing together over 120 community organizations to share program goals and important dates.

• November 2025: Applications Open

  • Our digital application officially opens to students across Greater Cleveland. Applicants can now submit everything online, with no paper forms required.

• January 2026: Advocacy Night

  • Scholarship Committee members connect directly with applicants to answer questions, confirm documentation, and build relationships. Judges complete their training and implicit bias training.

• February 2026: Applications Close & Judging Begins

  • The application window officially closes. Judging is completed in two weeks.

• March 2026: Awards Ceremony

  • All applicants are notified of the results by March 1. The awards Ceremony will be held at JLC’s Spring Together Event.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the following items by February 1st, 2026.

• Scholarship Fund Application (link to come soon)

• Personal Essay  (900 Words Max in PDF format)

  • Topic: Tell us about your personal journey and your goals for the future. How will this scholarship help you achieve them, and how do you envision using your education to create positive change in your community?

• Letter of Recommendation (in PDF format)

Eligibility

Who qualifies for our scholarship?

• Applicants must identify as women and meet either of the following:

  • A nontraditional student who has overcome obstacles to resume their education, and/or
  • A graduate of the foster care system

• Applicants must attend a fully accredited college, technical program, or graduate school within the state of Ohio

• Applicants must be permanent residents of one of the following Ohio Counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina and Trumbull

Who is a non-traditional student?

A non-traditional student is defined as an applicant whose education was interrupted by:

• Life responsibilities such as work and/or family responsibilities, requiring her to pursue her post-secondary education on an unconventional schedule

• Unexpected challenges that prevented her from continuing to college after completing high school or requiring her to get a GED

Junior League of Cleveland Scholarship Evaluation Criteria

The Junior League of Cleveland Scholarship Committee uses a structured rubric to assess applications fairly and equitably. Applicants are evaluated in the following key areas:

1. Personal Narrative & Storytelling (40%)We seek compelling, authentic stories that demonstrate resilience, personal growth, and unique experiences. Strong applications effectively communicate the applicant’s journey and aspirations with depth and insight.
2. Community Engagement & Diversity of Experience (20%) Applicants should showcase meaningful involvement in their communities and workplaces. The strongest applications highlight a diverse range of experiences that foster inclusion, leadership, and positive change.
3. Financial Need & Resilience (20%) A well-articulated financial need, paired with clear evidence of resilience and problem-solving skills, strengthens an application. We look for applicants who demonstrate creativity and adaptability in overcoming challenges.
4. Recommendation Letter (20%) Strong letters provide detailed, multidimensional insights into the applicant’s character, strengths, and potential for success. The best endorsements come from individuals who can speak directly to the applicant’s perseverance and achievements.

FAQs

• How can I contact the Junior League of Cleveland?

  • Inquiries may be made to the Junior League of Cleveland Scholarship Committee by emailing scholarship@juniorleaguecleveland.org

• Who is not eligible?

  • Applicants pursuing post-secondary educational opportunities directly after high school (except for those who were placed in a foster care system) are NOT eligible. Members of the Junior League of Cleveland and their immediate families are not eligible

• Can I reapply?

  • Applicants may reapply if they have not been awarded a JLC scholarship in the past

• What can scholarship funds be used for?

  • Funds to assist with the cost of accredited instructional programs and/or workforce training programs AND funds to assist with additional educational expenses that may restrict the student’s access to education such as program supplies, accredited daycare, accredited preschool, and after-school childcare, and the recipient’s transportation. Funds may be used to pay current and upcoming tuition; they cannot be used to pay off loans or for terms that already have been completed.

• What academic or training programs are eligible for this scholarship?

  • Applicant must use funds to attend an established, accredited training or educational program and/or for related expenses incurred while attending said program (e.g., tuition/program fees, books, supplies, recipient’s transportation, childcare, etc.)

• How are scholarship funds awarded?

  • Funds will be awarded in March 2026 for the student’s use for her current or upcoming term of educational needs. The Junior League of Cleveland (JLC) will disburse the funds directly to the institution of the recipient’s choice

• What amount is the JLC Scholarship?

  • Applicants may request scholarships up to $5,000

• What if the JLC needs additional information?

  • Applicants might receive a phone call during the selection process requesting further information

• How do I find out if my educational program is accredited?
  • To find out if your program is accredited, visit https://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/ or speak with your student advisor.

• Other than the application, personal essay, and letter of recommendation, can I send in additional materials?

  • No, applicants should send only requested materials; no other materials will be considered

• When will I be notified?

  • The Junior League of Cleveland will notify recipients by March 1st, 2026

 

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